Tests start on mussels pollution

Mussel farmers said the pollution is affecting business

Scientists will be studying a section of the River Fal in Cornwall to establish if pollution from fields is damaging a mussel farm.

The move follows a downgrading of water quality where mussels are grown near the King Harry ferry at Feock.

Scientists will be examining if the pollution comes from fields, animals or human sources.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) hopes it will solve similar problems in the UK.

I can't see how we can sustain production in the winter months Steve Kestin

Mussel farmer Steve Kestin: "During the winter this stretch of the river has been downgraded which is very hard work for us.

"Instead of having two days in depuration (cleaning), we have to take our product from the farm and put it in cleaner grade A or grade B water for three months.

"I can't see how we can sustain production in the winter months if it is grade C during the winter because it's so costly and difficult."

Clare Leverton, of South West Pesca Ltd, which led calls for an investigation, said: "It's essential we find out what's happening.

"The absolute bottom line for shellfish growers is water quality."

Scottish firm Environmental Tracing Systems will be examining where the bacterial contamination is coming from as part of a 10-week project financed by Defra and the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

Project director John Marsh said: "The project will be used on the Fal, but will also provide a generic answer to similar concerns in South West estuaries and beyond."