Phytoplankton: what are the health risks?
For several days, fishing sites have been temporarily closed in Brittany due to phytoplankton contamination.
Are phytoplankton potentially dangerous to your health?
Phytoplankton (or microalgae) is a microorganism at the base of the shellfish food chain. Only certain species of phytoplankton produce toxins .
In Brittany, toxic phytoplankton developments take place in May-June, on the south coast; rarer, winter developments are sometimes observed in Finistère.
- Attention : the toxins produced by these microalgae are resistant to high temperatures and are therefore not destroyed when cooked! In this sense, they represent a danger to health and can in particular cause digestive disorders.
- Be sure to respect the temporary bans on your favorite shore fishing site!
What surveillance is in place in Brittany?
Ifremer coordinates monitoring of phytoplankton and toxins (REPHY and REPHYTOX networks) in farming areas and natural shellfish beds.
If toxin concentrations exceed health thresholds, fishing bans are issued by the prefecture.
- Remember to check the prohibitions in place on the interactive map before you go fishing!
For more details:
Toxic phytoplankton | Responsible Shore Fishing (pecheapied-responsable. fr)
To go further: