Surface Waters (Shellfish) (Classification) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 1332 of 1997).

These Regulations prescribe a system for classifying the quality of controlled waters which are brackish or coastal and which need protection or improvement in order to support shellfish life and growth, reflecting mandatory values assigned by Council Directive 79/923/EC. The classifications SFW and the criteria for that classification set out in the Schedule shall apply for classifying coastal or brackish waters which need protection. The Regulations also incorporate the reference methods of measurement, and the minimum frequency required for sampling and analysis, laid down in the Directive for those parameters. Sampling of waters shall be done under responsibility of the Environment Agency.