Suggests a definition of ongrowing is included as this term is referred to in the definition of spat. Ongrowing is defined in the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP) Operations Manual as the process whereby shellfish are translocated to a classified area for a sufficient period to permit their development as a marketable product. The period shall not be less than 60 days.
Definition of bivalve molluscs excludes spat, scallops and pearl oysters where the only part of the product consumed is the abductor muscle. ASQAP Operations Manual differs to this and excludes only spat and scallops when the consumed product is only the abductor muscle. Scallop abductor muscle is exempt based on scientific evidence showing the deposition of algal biotoxins and other contaminants is considerably less in the abductor muscle. Pearl oyster meat is not excluded under ASQAP Operations Manual as there is no such evidence available for pearls.
