A WHO'S who of the world of science has gathered in Weymouth to draw up new European guidance for catching shellfish.

Experts from across the globe have been drafting water hygiene surveys at an international conference in the Centre for Environ-ment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) laboratory at the Nothe.

The surveys have to be carried out in sea waters where shellfish is caught.

New European food safety legislation requires the extensive surveys to be done because of the dangers of marine pollution.

Scientists at the conference - high-level government experts from 15 countries - are helping to ensure that oysters, mussels, clams and other shellfish caught in the European Union are safe to eat.

Other experts, from the USA, China, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina, South Africa, Chile, Mexico and various European countries, were invited to share their knowledge.

Dr David Lees, director of the European Commission Community Reference Labora-tory which is based at Cefas, said the meeting of minds was good news for seafood consumers.

He added: "This is a great opportunity to exchange best practices and try to reach a common understanding of key issues. We hope it will lead to more international harmonisation and thus to higher levels of safety for the seafood consumer."

The hygiene surveys will also help maintain high bathing water standards for swimmers.

The conference lasts for a week and is co-hosted by the US Food and Drug Administra-tion.