East Neuk fishermen face losing weeks of business after a deadly shellfish toxin was discovered in Anstruther and Pittenweem.
The toxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) was discovered in surf clams. Fishing for the clams has been halted in the area until the alert is over.
High levels of the toxin can cause paralysis of the respiratory system and, in extreme cases, death.
A Pittenweem fisherman, who asked not to be named, said: “This happens every year. It’s nothing new. In the past, I’ve been shut down for six weeks with it.
“It happens when the weather warms up. The clams affected are bottom feeders they filter feed.”
About five boats have been prevented from clam fishing until further notice.
The fisherman added: “It’s not my only income. I’m just concentrating on creels now.”
Fife Council alerted the public on Friday after increased levels of the toxin were detected by the Food Standards Agency. People have been told not to collect clams or mussels from the area, and also to remove the guts from crabs before eating.
Further samples are being taken and the restriction will be lifted when two consecutive tests, taken at least seven days apart, show levels have fallen below the statutory limit.