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Shellfish Water

Shellfish Directive (79/923/EEC)

The Shellfish Waters Directive belongs to the 'first wave' of European Union water legislation adopted in the 1970s and 1980s. The Directive aims to protect and/or improve the quality of coastal and brackish water bodies in which shellfish live,in order to contribute to the quality of edible shellfish products.

The Directive lays down standards for the quality of designated waters and requires Member States to monitor the quality of the waters and to take measures to ensure that they comply with the minimum standards. It is not intended, by itself, to protect the quality of shellfish for consumption. This element is controlled by the Food Standards Agency through a number of consolidated food hygiene regulations (EC) 852/2004 (EC) 853/2004 and (EC) 854/2004 .

There are currently 9 designated shellfish waters in Northern Ireland. Details of the designated areas can be accessed at the EHS website

The Directive aims to protect and/or improve the quality of coastal and brackish water bodies in which shellfish live, in order to contribute to the quality of edible shellfish products.

Further Information
Quicklinks

EHS Water Management Opens in a new window.

NI Coastal Marine ForumOpens in a new window.