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Tasmanian scallops back on the menu after algal bloom scare

The Tasmanian scallop industry says that this year’s harvest is now safe for consumption following the discovery of a toxic algal bloom on the state’s east coast.

The discovery of the algal bloom resulted in the voluntary halt of fishing in Bass Strait and White Rock, however the Tasmanian Scallop Fishermen’s Association says that this year’s harvest – which will be sourced from the state’s north-west coast – will be free from the toxin, The Mercury reports.

"Scallops from the current harvesting area north of Stanley on the north-west coast of Tasmania were routinely laboratory tested this week and there were no algal blooms components detected at all," said Bob Lister, spokesperson for the Tasmanian Scallop Fishermen’s Association.

Lister says that the algal bloom occurred naturally as a result of changes in water temperatures and nutrient levels.

Following pressure from industry, the state government announced a $500,000 contribution last week to the Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program which will be used to improve its biotoxin testing program.

Tasmania’s 14 scallop fishing vessels are now active in the state’s north-west coast.

 

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