Biotoxin Monitoring Program

Bivalve shellfish are highly sensitive to the quality of their marine
environment. They feed on microscopic plants that can sometimes produce marine
biotoxins, which can build up in their tissues. Eating shellfish with high
levels of these biotoxins can lead to serious and potentially fatal illness.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), as well as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning
(ASP) and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) are the most common human
illnesses associated with marine biotoxins in Canada. Bacteria, viruses, metals
and contaminants may also build up in the tissues of bivalve shellfish and
cause food safety concerns for consumers.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) monitors shellfish harvesting areas
to provide early warning of PSP toxins (and other toxins) in shellfish.
Hundreds of sites in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and British Columbia are regularly
tested for PSP toxins. The Agency analyzes shellfish samples and, when levels
are unacceptable, it notifies the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) which takes
immediate action to close the affected area to shellfish harvesting. When areas
are closed, signs are posted, media are notified, and DFO fishery officers
patrol the areas to prevent the harvesting of shellfish.

With an area of 250,000 square kilometres, over 35 commercially harvested
marine species and a great variety of fish in its rivers and estuaries, the
Gulf of St. Lawrence constitutes one of the world's largest enclosed seas, a
highly productive ecosystem, and a major arena of commercial fishing in
Atlantic Canada.

Waterbody or Watershed Names: Gulf of Saint Lawrence

Sponsor: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Additional Information OR Comments: Fact sheets are available from the website.
Other information on closures and fishing maps are available at
http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/os/aes-sae/dapr-radp/index-e.php?to_doE=refs&subject_cdE=6&rep_idE=r3

A file containing all pertinent sanitary survey information, including the
dates and results of preceding surveys and reports is maintained by the
shellfish control agency for each classified shellfish area.