Due to their filtering feeding mechanism, bivalve molluscs (clams, mussels, oysters, cockles, scallops, geoducks) are susceptible to concentrating deleterious water-borne substances in their meat. Bacteria and viruses are concentrated to in high levels in the 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 to collect 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.
ECCC requires the services of a Contractor to collect marine water samples at established sites located throughout B.C.’s North Coast extending from Caamano Sound to the south to Portland Inlet to the north.
