Area openings are dependent upon regular submission and
analysis of samples for biotoxin analysis, as set out in a biotoxin
monitoring protocol administered by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Three consecutive mussel samples, along with a sample of the
targeted food species containing acceptable levels of biotoxin
must be received in order for CFIA to recommend lifting a harvest
restriction in an area. CFIA will recommend lifting the biotoxin
prohibition and a harvest site can then be considered by DFO for
fisheries openings. Once an area is open, on-going submission of
mussel samples is required to maintain the opening. CFIA will
recommend closure of the harvest area to DFO if there is a lapse in
sample submissions or if unacceptable levels of toxin are detected
(>80 ug STXdiHCl eq/100g; >20 ppm domoic acid (ASP); >0.2 ug /g
Okadoic Acid /DTX Toxin and/or Pectenotoxin (DSP)).
by