Explore Marine Institute information and services for shellfish safety and marine ecosystems.

Coastal sea view representing Irish seafood safety monitoring

Monitoring, analysis, and scientific advice

We protect public health and support the seafood sector through monitoring, laboratory analysis, and scientific advice on shellfish and marine ecosystems.

Explore Seafood Safety

Choose a topic to learn about seafood monitoring, shellfish risks, and related marine ecosystems.

Laboratory analysis supporting marine biotoxin and seafood safety monitoring

Shellfish Safety Biotoxin

Our seafood safety programmes monitor Irish seafood products against food-safety standards and comply with a range of EU laws.

Laboratory microscope with a sample container on the stage.

Shellfish Safety Phytoplankton

Learn about the national programme that has monitored phytoplankton in designated sampling areas since the 1980s.

Shellfish Safety Microbiology

Understand microbiological safety for bivalve shellfish and the controls used to reduce health risks from bacteria and viruses.

Digital evidence screen representing risk-based monitoring and assessment

Ecosystems

Find Marine Institute information and resources about marine ecosystems.

Open and closed mussels arranged on a white surface.

Chemical Safety

We monitor contaminants and residues in Irish seafood to protect consumer health and ensure compliance with EU food-safety standards.

How phytoplankton samples are monitored

Local SFPA sea-fishery officers or other assigned personnel take samples from designated sampling areas. They send the samples to our laboratories in Bantry or Galway for analysis.

Microbiological risks in bivalve shellfish

Bivalve filter-feeding molluscan shellfish can accumulate bacteria and viruses when grown in sewage-contaminated waters. They may present a health risk when eaten raw or only lightly cooked. Extensive European food-hygiene regulations exist to reduce these risks.