Following is a summary of the ISA surveillance conducted in Maine throughout the calendar year 2008:

There were 1104 total samples collected during 119 inspections at 15 sites. There were no cages confirmed positive for ISA this year. In fact, there have been no confirmed cages for 35 consecutive months. Biosecurity audits were conducted on all active sites at least once during the calendar year.

In April, there was one Category 2 site identified. Although both non-pathogenic and pathogenic genotypes of ISAV were detected, no disease was observed and after 4 surveillance inspections with negative results the site was reverted to Category 1. In October, there were two Category 2 sites identified. Thus far, no disease has been observed and only the non-pathogenic genotype has been detected. Both sites are scheduled for biweekly surveillance inspections at this time. All Category 1 sites were scheduled for monthly surveillance inspections.

Two sites in Machias Bay(including one that had fall fish on site already), two sites in Eastern Bay, and one site in Blue Hill Bay were stocked with new smolts in the spring/summer . Also, throughout the year market fish were harvested from Cobscook Bay, emptying 5 of the 6 sites in the water. The final site is scheduled to complete it's harvest by February 15, 2009. Cobscook Bay is scheduled to stock new smolts at 5 or 6 of the fallowed sites during the spring and fall of 2009.