ABSTRACT
Depuration in Spain, which has been legally recognized since 1964, has had an important role in the shellfish industry, in both commercial and regulatory aspects. In referencing Spain's resources and commerce, the terms "molluscan shellfish" and "bivalves" shall be used as synonyms realize that 600 - 800 metric tons of periwinkles and purple dry murex are harvested annually. Although in many cases the marine Gasteropoda are sold through the same commercial channels, they do not influence the depurated shellfish market. Spain imports large amounts of bivalves from other countries. All the shellfish producing areas were evaluated to assess both the productive capacity that could be attained and the sanitary conditions of the growing waters. In some cases, depurating tanks are leased to shellfish producers who commercialize their products once depurated. With very few exceptions, the majority of the shellfish produced in Spain will be considered adequate for direct human consumption after washing, without a depuration or relaying process.
