Maryland's Shellfish Harvesting and Closure Area Map
The map generally depicts the classification of shellfish waters of the State: restricted, conditionally approved, or approved. This map shows the current classifications.
Conditionally Approved Shellfish Harvesting Areas
Maryland participates in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) to protect public health and to assure oysters and clams are harvested from areas that are safe. The basic concept of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) is to control the safety of shellfish by preventing the harvest of shellstock from polluted harvest areas. Shellfish include oysters and clams and not crabs, shrimp or lobsters. MDE classifies all shellfish harvesting areas or growing areas as Approved, Conditionally Approved, or Restricted.
Maryland Shellfish Harvesting Areas
Because shellfish harvested from polluted water may cause human illness, the sanitary control of the shellfish industry is necessary. Maryland is a member of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC), a voluntary, cooperative association of states, the shellfish industry, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). State responsibilities include adopting laws and regulations for the sanitary control of shellfish and the shellfish industry, formulating comprehensive shellfish harvesting area surveys and adopting control measures to ensure that shellfish are grown, harvested and processed in a safe and sanitary manner. FDA reviews methods for shellfish sanitation inlcuding for classification and management of shellfish areas proposed by the ISSC, and incorporates those methods consistent with standard health practice into the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) Model Ordinance. FDA is also responsible for the audit of each state shellfish control program to determine conformity with the NSSP standards and guidelines. NOAA and EPA provide technical assistance and comment to the ISSC. The shellfish industry responsibilities include participation in the ISSC Conference, meeting the requirements of the NSSP Model Ordinance. These responsibilities include obtaining shellfish from safe sources, maintaining sanitary operating conditions and making records available that document location of harvest and sale of all shellfish. FDA, MDE and the shellfish industry fulfill their responsibilities to a high degree, thus ensuring shellfish harvested in Maryland are safe and wholesome.
In Maryland, responsibility for the sanitary control of the shellfish industry is shared by three state agencies: the Department of the Environment (MDE), the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MDE is responsible for identifying and eliminating pollution sources affecting Maryland's shellfish harvesting waters, as well as classifying shellfish harvesting waters so that shellfish harvested are safe for human consumption. MDH is responsible for any food control measures necessary to ensure that shellfish are harvested, processed, packaged, and transported under sanitary conditions. MDH also regulates shellfish dealers to assure compliance with the required sanitary standards. MDH Laboratories Administration analyzes water samples collected by MDE and samples collected as part of foodborne illness investigations. DNR is responsible for managing the fishery, enforcing sanitary harvesting practices and harvest restrictions, posting areas restricted to shellfish harvesting and for patrolling/enforcing these areas to prevent illegal harvesting.
Approved: (direct harvesting permitted)Median <14 MPN/100ml 90th Percentile <49
Conditionally Approved (direct harvesting permitted only as outlined under heading Shellfish Water Classification below):For conditionally approved Median <14 MPN/100 ml and no more than 10% can exceed 49 when the area is in the open status.
Restricted: (relay required)Median <88 MPN/100ml 90th Percentile <300
Prohibited: (no growing or harvest permitted)Closed Safety Zone for wastewater treatment facilities, Median >88 MPN/100ml 90th Percentile >300 or an area that has a high risk for human pathogens to be present.
Relay of Shellfish from Restricted Shellfish Waters to Approved Shellfish Waters
MDE- Maryland Department of EnvironmentMDH – Maryland Department of HealthDNR- Department of Natural ResourcesNSSP- National Shellfish Sanitation ProgramCOMAR- Code of Maryland Regulation
General Requirements for Wet Storage
Any proposed changes or alterations to the wet storage site (use different gear, addition of containers, expansion of the area for wet storage, etc.) must be re-approved or reauthorized prior to making the changes or alterations. An application detailing the changes must be submitted to MDE.
Application for Wet Storage in Natural Bodies of Water or Natural Water Based Flow-though Systems
The following information must be included on the application:
Wet Storage in Land-based Re-circulating Systems
For more information concerning shellfish harvesting, contact MDE's Water and Science Administration(WSA) at (410) 537-3818 or the Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8880. For interstate shellfish sanitation information, visit http://www.issc.org
1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230