Shellfish growing water surveys can be divided into two distinct but mutually dependent components - bacteriological surveys and shoreline sanitary surveys. The two survey procedures should ideally be conducted concurrently. The determination of faecal pollution in shellfish waters is commonly measured by using indicator organisms, rather than specific pathogens. In the case of a routine program, a closure line exists, sample stations are established and there is a history of data.
Monitoring is conducted as part of the annual review to evaluate the adequacy of the closure line.
These are shown in Table 2A-1. In determining the proper station locations, it is important that stations provide a maximum amount of data and be representative of the water quality in a large body of water. The sampling regime will be dictated by these factors and the topography of the area but can generally be described as either a grid pattern, a random sampling, or a cross-sectional method based on hydrography for following the time and direction of travel of the pollution. New Sources Found 2. Time Factors Proper timing of surveys is essential to adequately and properly assess the bacteriological quality of shellfish growing waters.