PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Scientists are blaming the recent stormy weather for a massive bloom of toxic red tide that has forced shellfish beds to close along much of the New England coast from Cape Cod to Penobscot Bay.
Toxic microscopic phytoplankton that normally remain far offshore cause red tide. But scientists say three blustery storms that have passed through the Gulf of Maine this month, combined with unusual ocean currents, have driven the phytoplankton to the coast.
This weather is not only causing havoc on land, the continuing stormy weather is also harming shellfish farming a long the coast line. I am currently trying to find out how long shellfish beds and fams need to bouce back after being struck by Red Tide. If any of you have any answers, please feel free to comment.
e.l.
