MARINE WATER SAMPLING – QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS, B.C.

Due to their filtering mechanism of feeding, bivalve molluscs (clams, mussels, oysters, cockles, scallops, geoducks) are susceptible to concentrating deleterious water-borne substances in their meat. Sewage-related bacteria and viruses are concentrated to high levels in the shellfish where growing waters are polluted by sewage. Contaminated molluscs create a public health concern.

The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) is jointly administered by 3 federal departments/ agencies: the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Environment Canada (EC). EC’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 marine water quality 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.

For further information about the CSSP, please refer to: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fispoi/csspccsme.shtml

In order to maintain classification of an Approved area, two marine samples are collected from each marine water quality site per year and analyzed for fecal coliforms and salinity content. EC requires the services of a Contractor for the collection of marine water samples at established marine water quality sites located throughout B.C.’s Queen Charlotte Islands extending from Cape St. James to the south to Dixon Entrance to the north.