Surface Waters (Shellfish) (Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 (S.R. No. 489 of 1997).

These Regulations prescribe a system for classifying the quality of shellfish waters, and apply to coastal and brackish waters requiring protection or improvement in order to support shellfish life and growth, to contribute to the high quality of shellfish products directly edible by man. The classification "shellfish waters", and the criteria for that classification set out in the Schedule to these Regulations, shall apply for classifying controlled waters which are coastal and brackish waters for the purposes of Directive 79/923/EC which need protection or improvement in order to support shellfish (bivalve and gastropod molluscs) life and growth and thus contribute to the high quality of shellfish products directly edible by man. The Department of the Environment shall ensure that waters classified under these Regulations are sampled and samples are analysed in accordance with provisions contained in these Regulations and Council Directive 79/923/EEC on the quality required of shellfish waters.