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Minutes of the Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee - 15th August 2024

Location: SFPA Office, Clonakilty Cork (In-Person Meeting) 

Attendees: 

  • FSAI: David Lyons, Una Walton 
  • SFPA: Susan Coughlan, Michelle Moloney, Niall O'Rahelly, Aileen O’Sullivan 
  • MI: Bill Dore, Dave Clarke
  • IFA: Teresa Morrissey, John Harrington, Finian O’Sullivan
  • BIM: Vicky Lyons, Gary McCoy
  • Industry: Patrick Murphy, Dean Murphy
  • Irish Water: Ronan Kane

Apologies:

Conor Duffy, Sinead Keaveney, Joe Silke, Felix Sproll, Patrick Costello, Joanne Gaffney, Charlotte Picard, Pat Mulloy, Tristan Hugh-Jones, Ciaran McGonigle, Liam Ó Súilleabháin

1. Minutes and matters arising from the last meeting (29.05.2024)

Item 2b: CliPhI and PSP Project

  • JH suggested involving the aquaculture sector in ongoing projects as they are observing changes at sea level that could provide valuable data. JH & DC agreed it would be beneficial for Angéline to meet with producers, potentially during water quality information sessions.
  • DC emphasised that one of the project's long-term goals is to guide the aquaculture industry toward sustainability. The report, developed over 20 years, lacks large data sets on some climate-change-related variables, making local knowledge and industry support crucial.
  • PM raised concerns about the impact of wind farm surveys on phytoplankton. DC acknowledged that this is a relatively new area of study, requiring observations from other regions.
  • F’OS suggested establishing sentinel sites outside of aquaculture areas. DC noted that efforts to secure funding for this initiative are ongoing.

Item 3B: Management of Agricultural Slurry Spreading

  • DL reported that Teagasc has data available but are hesitant to release it at a local level. He proposed incorporating this data into an educational initiative and engaging Teagasc in the process.
  • JH highlighted that the current calendar-based system for slurry spreading is not always appropriate and queried whether the MSSC could address this issue.
  • GMcC noted a successful case where Kerry County Council was approached for targeted monitoring, which received a positive response. He emphasised the importance of an evidence-based approach to address key pressures, such as slurry spreading or sewage.
  • Discussion: The group considered engaging the EPA to further address the concerns.
  • BD pointed out that the original legislation from the 1970s does not fully address current issues like the prevalence of norovirus, making legislative change challenging. However, the current regulations do successfully address bacterial risks that may be associated with slurry spreading and other types of contamination.

Action: Include Inshore for the next version of the biotoxins Code of Practice (CoP).

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed. 

2. Standing Items

2.a. Update on Shellfish Monitoring Coordination (SFPA)

MM provided an update on the sampling activity from Q2 of 2024 (refer to documents attached).

  • Sampling Activity: SFPOs collected 764 microbiological samples by the end of June 2024 as part of the Microbiological Monitoring of Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas.
  • Out-of-Range Results: From January to June 2024, 25 out-of-range results (3.27%) were detected, a decrease from 36 in the same period in 2023.
  • Annex B: A summary of the out-of-range or elevated results for January to June 2024 is provided in Annex B.

2.b.    Toxicity Summary Report including Production Area Closures (MI)

DC presented the MI’s toxicity report (refer to attached).

  • Monitoring Frequency: Oysters are monitored monthly, except for areas like Cork Harbour and Castlemaine Harbour, where monitoring occurs weekly. Surf clams have reverted to monthly monitoring from a weekly schedule.
  • All monitored areas are currently clear, with no site closures reported between May 2024 and August 2024.
  • PSP – Nationally, all samples submitted for PSP analysis during May 2024 - August 2024 were typically non-detectable for PSP toxins.

GMcC queried the lack of toxin events this year and whether there are early indications explaining this trend. DC mentioned that environmental parameters from last year are missing as a comparison point, such as sediments. Real-time data monitoring has not highlighted any blooms.

GMcC raised concerns regarding the classification status of indicator species, specifically in Rosslare. The following points were discussed:

  • Clarifications on classifications are needed to prevent industry confusion.
  • Emphasised the need for additional microbiological data and the implementation of a comprehensive sampling plan.
  • DC mentioned auto clam species, noting that since 2012, no further actions have been taken. Producers are practicing due diligence, and this is the first time the species classification has been brought up for discussion.
  • GMcC mentioned that in some sanitary surveys, razors are used as indicator species. Clarification on their use is being sought.
  • MM stated that data is needed to support classification decisions, and that sampling is required.
  • GMcC suggested that razors could be classified as Class A under a risk assessment approach. Historically, clams were bycatch, coexisting in the same area. The data set should be reviewed to see if clams are mentioned in E. coli results.
  • BD emphasised that from a technical perspective, more work is needed, even for oysters. This should be done technically to ensure accuracy.
  • MM supported a short-term classification approach with indicator species and recommended two samples prior to testing through the monitoring program. If results are favourable, the product could proceed.

PM asked if private testing could be accepted, especially in cases of data gaps. DL responded that the SFPA needs to be able to verify the results, including the conditions of sample transport to the lab. MM clarified that while private testing data can be submitted and used as part of the overall submission, it cannot be used as official control data. BD suggested that, in the meantime, the SFPA could assist in obtaining samples and building them into the official sampling program to address data gaps.

HABs Database Dashboards (MI)

DC presented the new HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) database dashboards, including:

  • Closure Tables: Displaying area closures.
  • Biotoxin Species Status Dashboard: Showing the status of each shellfish species from 2003 to 2024.
  • Biotoxin Results Dashboard: Allowing users to map and graph results by site, region, and nationally from 2003 to 2024.
  • Phytoplankton Results Dashboard: Making data more user-friendly and accessible, with historical data going back to 2003.

MI hopes to have these dashboards deployed by the end of the year.

JH expressed interest in comparing toxin levels from the 1980s and 1990s, noting higher toxicity levels during those decades. DC noted that the most robust data begins in 2002 and explained how the HABs website could be improved with suggestions from users.

F’OS asked about the potential of using AI for predictive systems. DC responded that while predictive models are being developed, they require significant historical data to be reliable. AI is being considered under the PI project. 

Lab Analyst – Castletownbere

DC advised that four people were interviewed for the position, but none were successful. The post has been advertised again, with specific targeting in Cork and Kerry areas. He suggested exploring opportunities with fellow agencies who have offices in Castletownbere to promote the vacancy.

3. Microbiology and Virology 

BD provided an update:

  • This year, norovirus activity has been unusual. While typically a winter concern, there was significant norovirus circulation in the community through May to July. A notable outbreak occurred in June, strongly linked to oysters. Although testing wasn't done on the oysters involved in the incident, the virus was detected in a subsequent batch.
  • The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation. There has been a shift in norovirus epidemiology, with a new genotype becoming more prevalent, not only in Ireland but across Europe. This change may necessitate closer monitoring of community health trends when assessing oyster-related risks in the future.
  • BD emphasised the need to reassess how norovirus risk is evaluated, especially in light of apparent shift in seasonality of norovirus infection in the community, which may be linked to the new genotype, changing environmental conditions or a combination of both.  .
  • Despite the operator following protocols, DL highlighted that the outbreak occurred outside the typical risk period, emphasising the need to align risk evaluations with evolving community health trends.

4.    Wild fisheries and suggested proposal text to update the Code of Practice (BIM)

  • GMcC shared a proposal for updating the CoP for Wild Fisheries, particularly regarding scenarios with clear seasonal patterns in commercial activity.
  • The need for better classification of wild live bivalve mollusc (LBM) fisheries production areas was emphasised, particularly regarding sampling plans in remote areas with less pronounced seasonal activity compared to LBM aquaculture areas.
  • GMcC suggested adding a paragraph to the CoP to address seasonal variations in remote wild fisheries, clarifying the approach beyond short-term classifications.
  • GMcC proposed that fisheries provide a minimum of two samples before harvesting, followed by at least four more samples during the season. This process would help define short-term classifications, ensuring randomness and reliability in sampling.
  • MM noted that if an out-of-spec result occurs, the area would be closed until two satisfactory samples are obtained to reopen it.
  • BD emphasised the need to avoid frequent openings and closures of areas, which could not be fully relied upon to protect public health.  A careful approach is required given a reduce level of data that will be available to be assessed.
  • operations. A careful approach is required.
  • GMcC stressed the importance of a well-structured sampling plan.
  • PM & BD discussed the challenges of sampling in some fisheries, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work due to the unique nature of each fishery. A template should be developed to accommodate the specific needs of different fisheries.
  • MM agreed that a template will be developed, and fishery-specific requirements will be discussed during meetings with the operators.
  • Conclusion: Agreement was reached to amend the CoP to incorporate these updates.

5. Scallops Update

AOS provided an update on the Scallop Infringement proceedings:

  • Ireland’s recent changes to scallop biotoxin official controls were deemed sufficient by the Commission to close the infringement case against Ireland.
  • Significant work was done in collaboration with DAFM, MI, and FSAI to implement a new testing regime, which has been communicated to the industry through a food information notice and press release.
  • DC informed that so far offshore results are compliant, with further updates on inshore scallops expected in the coming months.

6. AOB

Offshore Monitoring

DC provided an update on the IFCB, which has been installed on the RV Tom Crean. It was successfully deployed last week, and the system is now generating images that will be integrated into the HABs website for real-time viewing. The next step involves incorporating AI to enhance classification capabilities.

Classification

RK questioned how reclassification would affect SFPA's assessment processes. He inquired about the prioritisation of classification, especially if there are changes in priorities for the upcoming year. He also discussed consultations from Uisce Éireann, mentioning a recent sludge consultation, and asked whether communication regarding such matters should be forwarded to the MSSC group. RK noted that Uisce Éireann has a policy communications team that manages consultations and will speak with colleagues about ensuring this group is properly informed.

Carlingford Water Quality Information Session:

GMcC informed that BIM is organising a Water Quality Information Session in Carlingford on Wednesday, 25th September 2024. The meeting aims to focus on water quality issues, particularly those identified in the 2022 CLAMS addendum.