Reminder - Vibrio Virtual Information Q&A - Tonight 4pm - 5pm

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Maine DMR Public Health

DMR Announces the Following:

This is a reminder that DMR will host three virtual information sessions on the new Vibrio regulations starting tonight:

Wednesday April 17, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Microsoft Teams Link
Thursday May 2, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Microsoft Teams Link
Monday May 13, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Microsoft Teams Link

The Department of Marine Resources has recently implemented new Vibrio regulations designed to reduce the risk of bacterial infections in shellfish consumers.

What you need to know:

What species are impacted?

American oysters, European oysters and hard clams only, NOT soft-shelled clams

What areas are impacted?

The entire Maine coast for oysters; the New Meadows Lakes only for hard clams

Who is impacted?

Shellfish harvesters, aquaculturists, certified shellfish dealers and enhanced retail license holders

When are these regulations in effect?

June 1st – October 15th annually

How do you comply?

Deliver product to a dealer within 2 hours or ice immediately; dealers must cool product to 50 degrees in 3 hours.*

What do you need?

Vibrio certification (see instructions below)

*Full compliance with the Vibrio regulations requires more than what is presented in this table so be sure to read Chapter 115.

Why this change?

Maine experienced its first Vibrio illness outbreak in the summer of 2023 in an area that was not subject to existing Vibrio controls. Because of this and increasing sporadic cases, DMR determined Vibrio controls for oysters were necessary statewide. Vibrio controls for hard clams have been in place for several years in the New Meadows Lakes harvest area.

Where can I find the new regulations?

The Vibrio regulations are written in Chapter 115 and can be found on the DMR website:  https://www.maine.gov/dmr/rules-enforcement/regulations-rules

You can also find the full regulation adoption package for Chapter 115 on the DMR website: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/rules-enforcement/regulations-rules/newly-adopted-regulations

How do I get my Vibrio certification?

  1. Watch the training video online: Video Link
  2. Take the Vibrio quiz and get at least an 80%: Quiz Link
  3. Buy your 2024-2025 license and request your Vibrio license: Request a License Link

You will receive your Vibrio certification at the email address you provided in the quiz within two weeks of completion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Vibrio training, please contact DMRPublicHealthDIV@maine.gov.