The link below reproduces relevant sections from the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment annual report, RIFE-12. RIFE-12 combines the results of independent monitoring for radioactivity in the environment carried out by the Environment Agency and Centre for Environmental, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.

The routine monitoring programme [carried out by Environment Agency and CEFAS on behalf of the Food Standards Agency] in 2006 consisted of measurements of gamma dose rate and analysis of fish, shellfish, fruit, sediments and seawater. The results given in the [linked] Tables 5.3(a) and (b) were similar to those in 2005 where comparisons can be drawn. Trace quantities of caesium-137 and americium-241 were found in the marine environment.  These were most likely to have originated from Chernobyl and from spent fuel reprocessing elsewhere.  Activation products were below LoDs.  A habits survey in 2004 has established that there are two dominant critical groups for marine pathways, (i) fish and shellfish consumers and (ii) occupants of houseboats. Taking account of relevant consumption of marine foods and occupancy times, doses to both groups were estimated to be less than 0.005 mSv which was less than 0.5% of the dose limit for members of the public of 1 mSv (Table 5.1). Similarly the dose to high rate consumers of fruit was less than 0.005 mSv. The total dose from all sources including direct radiation was assessed using methods in Appendix 4 to have been less than 0.005 mSv or 0.5% of the dose limit. The radiological significance of this site continued to be low.

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RIFE12 report 2006 extracts

Babcock Marine
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Rife -12
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