Which body is responsible for shellfish closure information in Maine?

• A. Maine DMR
• B. USCG
• C. NOAA
• D. FDA

Answer: (A)

Shellfish closure information for Maine is managed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. They run the shellfish sanitation program and determine which harvesting areas are open or closed based on water quality and toxin testing. Their team monitors bacteria levels, toxin screenings, and other factors that affect public health, then issues closure notices and updates status maps so harvesters know where it’s safe to gather shellfish. Closures are temporary and are lifted only after tests meet the required criteria.

Other agencies perform different roles: the US Coast Guard handles maritime safety and enforcement, NOAA provides broader federal fisheries data and guidance, and the FDA oversees seafood safety at the national level but does not issue state-specific shellfish closure statuses.