An area of tidal flats on the northern side of Port River known
as the Section Bank was closed to cockle harvesting by the Fisheries
Division of the Department of Primary Industries and Resources
SA (PIRSA)
on 12 April 2006 on advice from the Department of Health because
of elevated levels of E. coli in mud cockles (Katelysia
spp). E. coli is a type of bacteria that indicates
faecal contamination in water and food. E. coli results
of the cockle analyses were above relevant food standards. >>
See an earlier news item
Following a series of good results in late 2006, Section Bank
was reopened provisionally for cockling in early January 2007.
Ongoing monitoring is being undertaken by PIRSA
to ensure that cockles remain suitable for harvesting for human
consumption.
For information about the status of the cockles and the long-term
status of the fishery, please contact the Fisheries Division of
the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA).
For human health concerns, please contact the Department
of Health.
For further information regarding water quality, please contact
David Duncan at the Environment Protection Authority (ph 8204
2094; email david.duncan@epa.sa.gov.au).
