Harvesting of shellfish off the coast of mid-Essex has been halted after dangerous toxins were found.

A ban has been placed on fishermen to stop them taking bi-valve molluscs, such as cockles and oysters, from the water near Maldon and the public is also being warned of the dangers.

The restricting order - recently enforced off Foulness and Canvey in south Essex - has been imposed after a routine test for toxic algae was found to be positive.

The algae, which produce the poison, occur naturally in coastal and estuarine waters, but the toxins can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain if contaminated shellfish are eaten.

The order applies to fishing areas around Buxey Sands, which lies off the marshland separating the rivers Blackwater and Crouch.

The area extends to the mouth of the River Blackwater between Sales Point, near Bradwell, and Colne Point off Brightlingsea.

But it hasn't been enforced into the River Blackwater itself or along the River Crouch.

Fishermen have been contacted regarding the order and warning notices have been placed along the coastline between Sales Point and Holliwell Point, near Burnham, outlining that shellfish gathered from the beach should not be eaten.

Two weeks ago the Port of London Health Authority enforced a ban on the harvesting of mussels, oysters, clams, and cockles off Canvey Island and Foulness Point after detecting traces of the toxin.

Maldon District Council is continuing to sample shellfish and once two consecutive negative samples are obtained environmental health officers said the order will be revoked.

Published Monday, March 18, 2002