In England and Wales an algal biotoxin monitoring programme is undertaken which involves the monitoring of water samples for potentially toxic algae and shellfish flesh for Paralytic, Diarrhoeic and Amnesic shellfish poisons (PSP/DSP/ASP). The detection of PSP and DSP in shellfish is by mouse bioassay. To help reduce the number of animal assays performed work was undertaken to establish non-animal assays for PSP/DSP detection. Both cytotoxicity and commercial ELISA assays were tested and incorporated into a shadow biotoxin monitoring programme to test the reliability and feasibility of using these tests during an active monitoring programme. Potential application of these techniques within the programme are discussed.