Preharvest Shellfish Protection and Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program

NEW! - Annual Mussel Quarantine - Frequently Asked Questions.

Updated information on quarantines and shellfish toxins is available by calling CDPH's Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133.  Additional information about the Preharvest Shellfish Protection and Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program is available below.

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The Preharvest Shellfish Protection and Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program (Shellfish Program) is in the Environmental Management Branch in CDPH's Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management.  The Shellfish Program conducts, surveys, classifies and monitors commercial shellfish growing areas in conformance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.   It also monitors numerous points along the California coastline for marine biotoxins in shellfish and toxigenic phytoplankton in the waters.  Warnings are issued or quarantines are established as needed for recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting. 

The purpose of the preharvest shellfish activities is to establish sanitary requirements for shellfish growing waters and to regulate the commercial growing and harvesting of shellfish to assure that shellfish are safe for human consumption. 

For more information on shellfish-related activities, contact Gregg Langlois by phone at 510 412-4635 or by e-mail to gregg.langlois@cdph.ca.gov, or click here for others (PDF)in the Shellfish Program.

Quarantines and Health Advisories

• Press Release issued by CDPH regarding any Bivalve Shellfish from Marin County - February 2013 (PDF) 
• 2012 Extended Mussel Quarantine and Health Advisory Lifted for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties (PDF) 
• Annual Quarantine of Sport-Harvested Mussels Begins Unusual Conditions Bring Early Start - April 24, 2013 (PDF)  

Phytoplankton Monitoring Program

The CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program coordinates a volunteer-based monitoring effort for toxic phytoplankton long the entire California coastline. Follow the link below for an overview of this unique volunteer effort, an explanation of the importance of phytoplankton monitoring for public health protection, and access to weekly map layers of recent data.

• Click here for information about the Phytoplankton Monitoring Program.

Reports, Other Publications and Links