ILLEGAL shellfish poaching is believed to be happening in Cornwall, say Port Health Authorities.

Picking shellfish from foreshores is allowed for personal consumption, but officers say that the quantities being taken recently suggest harvesting at an organised, commercial level.

The harvesting of oysters or mussels for the black market not only threatens conservation efforts, but also poses a serious risk of food poisoning to those eating the shellfish, says Cornwall Coucnil.

A spate of thefts from valuable oyster beds, and from marine sources of mussels, scallops and clams, is alarming Port Health officers..

While an investigation is currently underway into shellfish taken from the Helford on July 6, there has been an upswing in intertidal beach and estuary ’poaching’ across the South West.

Cornwall’s Port Health Manager Tim Bage said: ’From a food safety point of view, most people aren’t aware that most of our shellfish goes through a purification process to purge out unwanted bacteria which otherwise could cause very nasty food poisoning.

’The areas that are classified are those where shellfish and water quality are monitored for bacteria levels or dangerous toxins.

’If harvesters operating illegally sell on stock from unclassified areas, there is a genuine risk of toxin poisoning, since these are not reduced by cooking, and the results can be extremely unpleasant.

’Additionally, by taking undersized stock they are undermining the viability and sustainability of a fragile Cornish seafood product.’

Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: ’We would strongly advise people to check that the area they are harvesting in is classified for the species they are collecting. Additionally, they are encouraged to ensure they are allowed to take from the area, because to take from an area with a private lease is deemed an act of theft.’

If you are suspicious of any shoreline gatherings of large groups, please contact Cornwall Port Health on 01872 323090 or email [email protected]?with as much detail as you can on the location, and any vehicles used by the gatherers.

There is no accreditation scheme for shellfish, but restaurants, cafes and fish mongers are strongly advised to buy only from reputable sources that they can verify. Shellfish bought at retail level should normally carry a health mark (an oval). Some direct boat-to-retail trade is permitted on a small scale.