SFPA PUBLISHES SANITARY SURVEY FOR KENMARE BAY INNER

SFPA publishes sanitary survey for Kenmare Bay Inner. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has published the results of a comprehensive Sanitary Survey for Kenmare Bay Inner, undertaken to meet EU requirements for the classification of shellfish production areas. The survey, carried out in partnership with Aqualicense Ltd, will inform the classification and monitoring of blue mussels and Pacific oysters cultivated in the area.

The survey is required under Article 56 of Regulation (EU) 2019/627, which mandates an in-depth assessment of contamination risks before a shellfish production area can be officially classified for commercial harvesting.

For consumers and producers, the results from the survey mean that the updated sampling plan improves monitoring of microbiological quality in shellfish and will inform annual classification decisions. Furthermore, by identifying localised risk areas and strengthening representative monitoring, the survey enhances protections for public health and supports the sustainable operation of shellfish aquaculture in Kenmare Bay Inner.

The survey reflects the SFPA’s commitment to evidence-based classification of shellfish areas and the protection of consumers through robust monitoring of potential faecal contamination. Shellfish monitoring is a critical safety measure for consumers and helps protect the shellfish industry by preventing outbreaks and ensuring that seafood remains safe to eat.

For further queries, please contact: sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie

Key Findings from the Survey

The study combined a desk-based Source–Pathway–Receptor (S-P-R) assessment, an SFPA-led shoreline survey, and bacteriological sampling of key inflows and runoff points. Findings highlighted the Roughty River and associated catchments as primary contamination risks, with additional inputs from septic tanks, agriculture, wastewater treatment, and seasonal tourism. These results informed a refinement of the Bivalve Mollusc Production Area (BMPA) boundary, the designation of species-specific Representative Monitoring Points (RMPs), and the development of tailored sampling plans to ensure accurate and protective shellfish classification.

A sanitary survey supports the existing classification of Pacific oysters and any future classifications for Blue mussels, Manila clams and European flat oysters for commercial harvest.

The new Pacific Oyster production area must first obtain preliminary classification, which requires at least 12 microbiological samples from the Representative Monitoring Point (RMP). If the results meet the criteria after the next review date, the area may be granted full classification.

Read the full Kenmare Bay Inner (formally Templenoe Classification) Sanitary Survey here: Kenmare Bay Inner (formally Templenoe) Sanitary Survey

Further details on the SFPA’s work on sanitary surveys can be accessed here: https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Molluscan-Shellfish/Sanitary-Surveys

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