Pollution has become a big problem in our waters: it creates closures of recreational areas that we use. Not only is pollution a problem but Red Tide as well.
Red Tide in New England:
"There are millions of microscopic plants (phytoplankton) that exist in almost every drop of coastal seawater. With the right conditions, (sunlight and proper nutrients), these plants photosynthesize and multiply, creating a "bloom." The organism that causes toxic red tide, or HAB, in New England is a microscopic one-celled alga called Alexandrium tamarense. Its life cycle includes a dormant cyst stage that can survive cold winters in bottom sediments. The cysts, which also contain toxin, are the seeds for future blooms. These cysts facilitate the spread of toxic red tides into new areas since they are easily transported by tidal currents, dredge material disposal, and transplanted shellfish."
On June 8, 2009 there was a "Notice of Emergency Rule-Making" by the Department of Marine Resources for Red Tide in the Sheepscot River, which includes Westport Island, Edgecomb, Boothbay, and Boothbay Harbor.
"Effective immediately, because of pollution, it shall be unlawful to dig, take or possess any clams, quahogs, oysters or mussels taken from the shores, flats and waters..."
This closure affects many people in the Boothbay Region. Diggers are affected because they don't "have" a job for the summer and the businesses that buy from those diggers have to go elsewhere to get clams or mussels. That in turn raises the prices of seafood in our region because we have to out source to get what we want.
Sources:
http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/factsheets/redtide.html
http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/closures/closedarea.htm
