Surface Waters (Shellfish) (Classification) (Scotland) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 2470, S. 162 of 1997).

These Regulations prescribe a system for classifying the quality of controlled waters, which are coastal or brackish waters, which need protection or improvement in order to support shellfish life and growth. The classification "shellfish waters" (SWF), 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 gasteropod molluscs) life and growth and thus contribute to the high quality of shellfish products directly edible by man. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency shall ensure that waters classified under these Regulations are sampled and samples are analysed in accordance with provisions contained in regulations 3 and 4. These Regulations prescribe the methods and the minimum frequency required for sampling and analysis. The Schedule contains criteria for the classification of waters as shellfish waters. (7 regulations)