421 kilos of bivalves, captured in an area prohibited due to the presence of toxins, on the island of Armona, were seized this Monday, 27 January, by the GNR Coastal Control Unit.
The UCC detected, in the scope of an inspection, eight men on a professional fishing vessel, “fishing in an area that is prohibited by public notice due to the presence of DSP toxin”.
The bivalves had an estimated value of 3350 euros and, since they were alive, they were returned to the Ria, “thus preventing them from entering the commercial circuit, avoiding risks to public health”.
In a note sent to the newsrooms, the GNR warns that «the ingestion of contaminated bivalves can cause serious health problems. Bivalve molluscs are filter-feeding organisms, possessing the ability to accumulate in their tissues various contaminants, which, if consumed, can cause various types of intoxication. The catch bans on bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and live marine gastropods apply to the general public, professional and amateur shellfish collectors, regardless of the capture process.'
Fines for capture in prohibited areas can amount to 37500 euros.
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