Toxic algae threaten Highland shellfish

Siri Elise Dybdal

Environmental investigators warned that eating shellfish found in Loch Ewe and the Dornoch Firth may pose a health risk.

Highland Council said commercial shellfish harvesters in the areas have suspended operations until the algae levels subside, the Scotsman reports.

The council’s environmental health team said it identified high levels of naturally occurring algal toxins following routine monitoring.

Officer Archie Lang said: “Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a health risk.

“As a sensible precaution, people should avoid eating shellfish from this area until further notice.

“Monitoring work continues and, when levels subside, the warning notices will be removed.”

Dr Nick Lake, chief executive of the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, said the latest episode is only affecting a few producers.

“The levels will reduce again and, after a short period, the shellfish basically wash themselves clean of the toxins which are a risk to humans, so will eventually be safe again to eat.

“It is so well monitored now that the risk is very low,” he said.