The production and sale of shellfish for human consumption in Western Australia (WA) is regulated through implementation of the Western Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (WASQAP) which has a mandatory requirement for testing for the presence of biotoxins. Currently, because there is no capacity to undertake biotoxin testing in WA there are often long delays in obtaining assessments with consequent financial loss and market reduction for shellfish growers.

In response to this, the current project will:

• assess and verify the use of ‘Rapid Biotoxin Test Kits’ to enable testing for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning under WA conditions;
• establish a capability reflecting the requirements of the WASQAP which would include analytical laboratories, shellfish growers and government agencies; and
• work with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to recommend the use of such kits and update respective WASQAP management plans and guidance material.