The DMR Bureau of Public Health administers several programs that support the health of Maine's shellfish resources, ensures the necessary training for volunteers who conduct vital water quality and phytoplankton monitoring, evaluates and certifies Maine wholesale shellfish dealers, supports co-management of nearshore and subtidal marine resources, and conducts/coordinates environmental impact reviews for permits and projects in the coastal zone.
Programs
- Growing Area Program: Biotoxin - Monitors levels of PSP (“Red Tide”) and other marine biotoxins in Maine shellfish
- Growing Area Program: Water Quality - Monitors the water quality at Maine shellfish flats and conducts shoreline surveys to identify sources of pollution
- Volunteer Programs - water quality and phytoplankton monitoring
- Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection - Evaluates and certifies Maine wholesale shellfish dealers
- Nearshore Marine Resources Program - Municipal shellfish co-management, state-level management of mussels, marine worms, periwinkles, whelks, subtidal resources, and seaweed
- Environmental Permit Review - Conducts/coordinates environmental impact reviews for permits and projects in the coastal zone.