Jul
9
Red tide forces mussel depurating firms to close
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Ropes used in mussel farming. (Photo: Ojea)
Red tide forces mussel depurating firms to close
SPAIN
Friday, July 10, 2015, 03:00 (GMT + 9)
The Technological Institute for the Control of the Marine Environment (INTECMAR) ordered the closure of several depurating plants working only with mussels due to the advance of the red tide off the coast of Galicia.
Since last 20 June — when the experts of the institute ordered the closure of several raft polygons due to the presence of toxic cells — to date, the mussel sector has faced a serious situation that could eventually lead to a new crisis.
According to some raft mussel growers (bateeiros) leaders, if the red tide continues, there could be risks for 2016 production in less than one month.
For his part, President of the Association of Mussel Growers of Vilaxoán Virxe do Rosario, Javier Blanco, complained that “this looks very bad” because the laboratory results of Intecmar indicate “that the toxic event still has not reached its peak,” Faro de Vigo reported.
Blanco warned that if the situation continues, the mussel growers will not have the possibility of splitting the ropes.
The president of the Galician Association of Depurators (AGADE), Ramon Blanco, also expressed concern about the current situation.
“The situation is beginning to be worrisome. At present, there are already some closed depurating plants which only work with mussels. And we are on the threshold as to when sales start to grow both domestically and destined to France,” pointed out Ramon Blanco.
Although he admitted that at present the situation is better than that last year, he considered that “if this is prolonged for 15 days, it will really be worrisome.”
The presence of the lipophilic toxin in Pontevedra Estuary also worries the Galician shellfish collectors.
The authority has already closed the two areas in Bueu, which remained open: the III, corresponding to the coast of the town of Bueu, and the zone I, comprising the island of Ons.
INTECMAR only kept zone II open, which is the estuary of Aldan, and in the zone I only razor shell collectors (navalleiros) are allowed to work.
It must be noted that the latest report of the Institute forecasts a slight recovery, EFE agency reported.
Related article:
– Red tide negatively affects mussel supply in Galicia
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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