ABSTRACT
The Directive on the Quality Required of Shellfish Waters 79/923 requires Member States to designate coastal and brackish waters which need protection or improvement in order to support shellfish.25 Again, designation is a matter for Member States who may decline to designate if they find compliance with the Directive too costly. I and G values for water quality are specified and States must introduce a programme of pollution reduction to achieve both these values within six years of designation.
