The major winter and early spring bloom of Dinophysis on the Potomac River has declined but DNR monitoring programs continue to find Dinophysis in water samples collected from both Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. Samples collected on May 8th in the Coastal Bays showed concentrations between 2-10 cells per milliliter. Elevated densities were only found in areas with existing closures to shellfishing on St. Martin River, Turville Creek and Herring Creek. Results from sampling on May 16 showed only one location to have any Dinophysis present (Manklin Creek) and at low densities (2 cells per milliliter).  (see graph below of all samples in Maryland where Dinophysis was found this year). During the winter 2002 the Potomac River shellfishery was temporarily closed due to the bloom of Dinophysis but reopened before the end of the oyster season.