Low quantifiable concentrations of Azaspiracid Shellfish Toxin (AZA’s) have been observed in a number of mussel and oyster sites in various production areas in Bantry and Dunmanus since mid-August through to this week (w/c 19-10-26). All AZA concentrations observed to date have been below the regulatory limit (0.16µg/g).

Since the beginning of October, AZA concentrations have been observed to decrease slightly in shellfish samples across all Classified Production Areas within Bantry Bay. However, there may be some variability in AZA concentrations during this decline in toxicity.

The causative species, Azadinium, has been observed to decrease over the last two weeks since the beginning of October and is not currently observed in water samples submitted from Bantry production areas.