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A water sample collected on May 9 from the Chesapeake Bay long-term water quality monitoring station located on the Sassafras River provided early season evidence of bloom conditions. A diversity of blue-green algae species was found dominated by species of Anabaena (63,500 cells per milliliter Anabaena planktonica ) and Aphanizomenon (35,560 cells per milliliter). Counts for Microcystis , commonly the dominant summer bloom species, were low by comparison (351 cells per milliliter).
Maryland Department of Natural Resources will continue to actively monitor and report on the condition of the river. Citizens are advised to take common precautions around bloom waters to reduce the possible risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:
Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms is now a reportable illness so physicians should be reporting these to local health departments. The MD DNR in coordination and cooperation with DHMH and MDE will continue to monitor all blue-green algal blooms throughout the state. For up to date information on all of Maryland's harmful algal blooms and water quality, please visit Eyes on the Bay |
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
(877) 620-8DNR