Due to their filtering feeding mechanism, bivalve molluscan shellfish (clams, mussels, oysters, cockles, scallops, geoducks) are susceptible to concentrating deleterious water-borne substances in their meat. Bacteria and viruses are concentrated in high levels in shellfish where growing waters are polluted by sewage. Contaminated shellfish are a public health concern.
The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) is jointly administered by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). ECCC’s role is to evaluate the actual and potential sources of fecal contamination through a shoreline sanitary survey, as well as collect surface marine water samples for bacteriological analyses. Fecal coliform concentrations are measured and used as an indicator of sewage contamination. The data for each site is examined and compared to an international standard. Based on marine water quality results, coupled with shoreline sanitary information findings, recommendations are made to the Pacific Region Interdepartmental Shellfish Committee for appropriate classification of the growing waters for the purposes of harvesting shellfish.
In order to maintain classification of an Approved area, two marine samples are collected from each site per year and analyzed for fecal coliforms and salinity content. ECCC requires the services of a Contractor for the collection of marine water samples at established sites located throughout B.C.’s Central Coast extending from Smith Inlet in the south to Laredo Sound in the north.
