Summary

During 1 YY3, water and shellfish from 1 Y major growing al'eas were monitored for chemical parameters in accordance with the I Y7Y Council Directive 7Y/Y23/EC, At each site temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and suspended solids measurements were taken and shellfish samples were returned to the laboratory for metal, chlorinated hydrocarbon and algal biotoxin determinations, Generally, water quality in all areas was good and conformed to the guidelines of the Directive, The highest levels of metals recorded were: cadmium in Tralee Bay (OA to 0,7 I-lgg") and Carlingford Lough (0,3 to 0,7 I-lgg,l) and lead in Wexford Harbour (0,5 I-lgg'), Mercury in all cases was low with the exception of Cromane during November when levels of 0,3 I-lgg" was detected, Chlorinated hydrocarbons levels were extremely low and indicate the dean nature of Irish shellfish, unpolluted by these synthetic organic compounds, Algal biotoxins were not detected in any samples, Fishery Lcaflet 160- 109