Glossary

A parasite is a living organism that lives off another host organism for food, shelter or reproduction. Parasites are found throughout the living world in both plants and animals.

Phytoplankton or vegetable plankton refers to all plants of very small or microscopic size that live in suspension in fresh and coastal waters.

PCBs are industrial organic substances, which are toxic to humans and living organisms at very low concentrations. These substances disintegrate very little in the environment and accumulate in various environments, in particular the soil. PCBs are more or less proven to be linked with several types of cancer. Exposure to PCBs primarily occurs via food, especially animal products (i.e. fish, meat, eggs and dairy products).

These are areas which are protected by legislation to prevent the extinction of protected species. Such biotopes are necessary for the feeding, reproduction, rest or survival of protected species. They can consist of ponds, swamps, marshes, hedges, groves, heaths, dunes, lawns or any other natural formations where there is little human activity.

Purification is the process of placing shellfish before they are sold in purification ponds or tanks fed with clean sea water, generally for 24 to 48 hours, to eliminate accumulated contaminants and make the shellfish fit for human consumption.