Aureococcus anaphogefferens, the algae responsible for Brown Tide, has been detected throughout the waters of the Coastal Bays since April 3rd based on recent laboratory test results. Water samples collected by the National Park Service and Maryland Department of Natural Resources involved in the Coastal Bays Monitoring Program indicate that low levels of Brown Tide are widespread in the northern and southern Bays and their tributaries. However, 4 of 29 samples collected between April 3rd and May 12th contained Category 2 bloom concentrations which have been associated with reduced growth and feeding rates in clams. The Category 2 bloom samples were from Assawoman Bay (April 28th), Newport Bay (April 29th), and Taylor Landing in Chincoteague Bay (April 29th). The Newport Bay and Assawoman Bay sites were sampled again on May 12th and bloom conditions had declined to Category 1 levels found throughout the region.