Shellfish are the canaries of the sea.  They are the first to be affected by pollution in the water column.  Shellfish filter massive amounts of water through bodies absorbing food and oxygen and cleaning away any waste.  Algae and other food particles, including viruses and bacteria, are strained out of the water during this feeding process.  When pollution affects our waters, the shellfish and the shellfishermen are first to feel the hardships. 

Local shellfish officers are Maine shellfisheries first line of  defense. Shellfish Officers spend numerous hours patrolling the coastline protecting the shellfishery and monitoring areas affected by pollution. Shellfish Officers not only see the beauty of the Maine Coastline but they also know what lies beneath the waters; the plants, animals and their habitats, and how they can be affected by pollution.   Informing and educating shellfish officers on advancements in enforcement, pollution identification & abatement, and shellfish management strategies is one of the M.S.O.A's top priorities.

The M.S.O.A would encourage anyone knowing of any possible pollution sources near the coastline, including but not limited to failing septic systems, mismanaged animal husbandry operations, chemical dumping, overboard discharges to please contact the Local Shellfish Officer or the Maine Department of Enviromental Protection.  

The M.S.O.A also encourages citizens to report suspicious harvesting activities.  Poachers put the Maine Shellfishery, legal shellfisherman and the consuming public at risk.