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Maine DMR Vibrio Control Plan
DMR Chapter 115 Vibrio Regulations
Vibrios are naturally occurring bacteria typically found in marine waters. Several species of Vibrio are pathogens and can cause illness in humans including gastroenteritis and septicemia. Illnesses from Vibrio infections are often associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood including bivalve shellfish. DMR has special regulations in effect in specific areas that reduce the risk of Vibrio infections caused by consumption of oysters or hard clams. The most important preventative step to reducing Vibrio bacterial growth is rapidly cooling shellfish to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep Maine shellfish safe by keeping it cool!
For Vibrio certification please follow the next three steps.
- Watch the DMR Vibrio training video
- Complete the fourteen question Vibrio Certification Quiz
- Submit your Vibrio Control Plan or Renewal (same form) to DMRpublichealthdiv@maine.gov
or upload directly to the LEEDS licensing system.
- If you are a Harvester use the Harvest Plan form (PDF). Here is an Example Harvest Plan (PDF)
- If you are a Primary Dealer use the Dealer Plan form (PDF). Here is an Example Dealer Plan (PDF)
Shellfish safety
other safety Links
- Beach Swimming Advisories (Maine Healthy Beaches Program)
- Fish Consumption Advisories (Maine CDC Div. of Environmental Health)
- FishWatch - U.S. Seafood Guide (National Marine Fisheries Service)
More Info & Help
- Some of the links are PDF files, and may require the free Adobe Reader software (download here). If you require an alternate format, please contact Kohl Kanwit.
- Maine Shellfish Advisory Council