First Occurrences of the Year for Two Harmful Algal Bloom Species in Coastal Bays Waters
Routine algal community monitoring in Marylands Coastal Bays over the past several weeks has revealed the presence of a couple potentially toxic algal species, although there is no evidence of active toxicity. Sampling on June 26 revealed the presence of Chattonella veruculosa on Ayer Creek and Fibrocapsa japonica on the St. Martins River. Follow-up sampling on July 8 confirmed Chattonella veruculosa in Ayer and Marshall creeks and Fibrocapsa japonica in Trappe Creek. Both species have the potential to produce toxins, but both were at levels below that considered likely to harm marine life or threaten human health.

Toxin testing by University of North Carolina at Wilmington of the July 8 samples was unable to detect the presence of any toxin. Fish populations sampled at the same time and location as the algal samples were all healthy. No fish or human health events related to these phytoplankton species have been recorded in Maryland. Careful monitoring of these species will continue with the MDNR monitoring program.