Algae Bloom Forces Shellfish Harvesting Closures in Maine
What happened
The Maine Department of Marine Resources closed shellfish harvesting in Maquoit Bay in Brunswick and the eastern side of Middle Bay in Harpswell. This action followed the detection of a significant bloom of the phytoplankton Karenia mikimotoi in Casco Bay earlier this month. Harvesters reported dramatic die-offs of softshell clams and worms in the affected areas.
From pressherald.com
Why it matters
The algae bloom puts significant stress on shellfish, impacting their ability to feed and breathe. Low dissolved oxygen is expected to cause further die-offs, leading harvesters to assess generational stock losses. These closures directly impact the local shellfish economy in Brunswick and Harpswell.
Emergency closures have been enacted in both the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick.
From pressherald.com
Who's involved
- Maine Department of Marine ResourcesGovernment agency enforcing closures due to environmental factors
- BrunswickTown where harvesting closures were enacted in Maquoit Bay
- HarpswellTown where harvesting closures were enacted in Middle Bay
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- HarpswellSpeculative
Could see reduced revenue from shellfish sales due to the harvesting closure.
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The entities involved
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Maine Department of Marine Resources
government organization in Boothbay Harbor, United States
Nothing else this week.
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Brunswick
town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States