We undertake the official control monitoring for the shellfish production areas in Portsmouth, which are Portsmouth Harbour and Langstone Harbour. We also monitor classified production areas for marine biotoxins, phytoplankton and chemical contamination.
Live Bivalve Molluscs (LBMs) include:
- oysters (pacific and native)
- mussels
- clams
- cockles
- scallops
As filter feeders, LBMs are susceptible to picking up and accumulating toxins, chemical or bacteriological contaminants from their environment.
To reduce the risk of contamination, commercial harvesting of can only be undertaken from classified production areas.
Classification of production areas
The sampling information is used by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to determine the classification of the production area. The areas are species specific. See the section “Current classification list and sampling plans” on the FSA’s website for further information: Shellfish classification | Food Standards Agency
For maps of the areas, see: Classification zone maps – Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)
Registration document
Each batch or consignment of LBMs or live shellfish being removed from a designated shellfish production area must, by law, be accompanied by a registration document.
Registration documents are available free of charge on request. Contact us below to request them.
Contact us
Contact the Portsmouth Port Health Authority at porthealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on +44(0)23 9268 8653.
Address: Border Control Post, Portsmouth International Port, Mile End Road, Portsmouth, PO2 8BF.
We operate:
- Monday to Friday: 6am to midnight
- Saturday and Sunday: 6am to 2.30pm, and 3.30pm to midnight