4. Conclusion
Reduction of V. vulnificus in temperature abused oysters was possible using controlled depuration conditions. Higher salinities (25 and 35 psu) were more efficient at eliminating this pathogen from oysters than a lower salinity (15 psu) although all three treatments significantly reduced initial loads by at least 2-log. Moreover, only the 35 psu treatment was able to meet the NSSP guidelines for PHP of oysters (a 3.52-log reduction to a final MPN of