Red tides are algae blooms that can be
toxic to shellfish and humans, and have damaging effects on marine
life, the shellfishing industry, and the coastal economy. To better
understand the causes and effects of red tides in Casco Bay, CBEP
funded collection of water quality data in 2006 at more than 40
locations around Casco Bay on a weekly basis during the spring and
summer months. Partner organizations have continued the study since.
The data includes information on nutrients, toxicity, and the makeup of
phytoplankton communities. Analysis of the results commissioned by CBEP
in 2009 suggests that Casco Bay’s red tides are triggered more by
regional water circulation patterns than by local nutrient sources.
Learn more about these results:
