UK: Shellfish waters

United Kingdom

Under the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/9234/EEC), the Government has announced the designation of a further 76 new shellfish waters and the extension of the existing 17 designations bringing the total number of protected areas in England to 93. Pollution control measures in the designated waters should result in a major boost for the shellfish industry and for public health, as well as improving England’s environmental creditability in Europe. The relevant water companies have already been required to include in their business plans for the period 2000 - 2005 contingency estimates for bringing newly designated shellfish waters up to the standards required by the Directive. It is hoped that measures in place to meet the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive will also improve shellfish water quality.
(DETR News Release, 8 July 1999)