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Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program

   

Darcie Couture, Director

The Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program is administered by the Department's Public Health Division.  It uses the standards outlined in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) to monitor levels of PSP (“Red Tide”) and other marine biotoxins in the shellfish of the State of Maine.

When toxin is found at levels near or above where human illness may occur, closures to the harvest of shellfish areas are implemented. Maine has historically had high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), more commonly known as “Red Tide” during the warmer periods of the year. Shellfish samples are collected statewide between March and October and evaluated at the two PSP laboratories (Boothbay Harbor, in the western portion of the state and Lamoine, in the eastern portion). Data is then transmitted to Darcie Couture at the Boothbay Facility for interpretation and appropriate closures are made when necessary.

• Biotoxin Quality Assurance Plan (305 kb, pdf)

Information regarding what, if any, areas along the coast of Maine are currently closed to the taking of shellfish because of “Red Tide” may be obtained by calling the RED TIDE HOTLINE at 1-800-232-4733. or by visiting the red tide and shellfish sanitation hotline web page or the PSP (red tide) closures page

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