The Marine Institute has taken samples of an algal bloom on the south-west coast, and says it poses no threat to human health. Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent, reports.
The bloom has been identified as a phytoplankton called noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic to shellfish.
"This species of phytoplankton has no impact on human health and is not uncommon at this time of year when water temperatures increase," the institute said yesterday.
"The algal bloom is red/orange in colour and can appear quite dense in bays where there is not much movement in the water."
Algal blooms are naturally occurring plankton and are seen almost every year during the summer months.
The Marine Institute says it analyses water samples routinely to identify harmful or nuisance phytoplankton, and their impact on shellfish and finfish in particular.
Results are circulated to shellfish producers, to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. They are also posted on the institute's website at www.marine.ie/habsdatabase