Implementation and impact of the sanitary survey in Catalonia

The sanitary survey for the microbiological quality of coastal waters in shellfish harvesting areas in the coast of Catalonia 2016 has been concluded. Data used for these survey were obtained between 2012 and 2016. In the desk... [ view full abstract ]

The sanitary survey for the microbiological quality of coastal waters in shellfish harvesting areas in the coast of Catalonia 2016 has been concluded. Data used for these survey were obtained between 2012 and 2016. In the desk study, data included rural properties and activities, soil use, sewage plants, industrial waste sources, leisure activities along the coast, demographic data, harbours and coastal infrastructures, natural fauna, river and waste water discharges, environmental data, hydrographic data, microbiological data of coastal waters and shellfish among others. Different sources of data were obtained from different national, regional, and local institutions. The shoreline survey consisted on a complete survey walking along the full Catalan shoreline to confirm data of the desk study and to identify additional sources of possible microbiological contamination. The sanitary survey included a study on the effects of environmental factors and hydrodynamics on the microbiological content in shellfish. As an example, heavy rains had an impact on E. coli content in shellfish during the following 2 to 8 days, depending on the zone. The monitoring programme for E. coli in Catalonia was re-evaluated accordingly. Changes regarding the organization of production areas along the coast, the microbiological classification of some areas and the frequency of controls were implemented following the conclusion of the sanitary survey.