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August 7, 2003
Betterton Beach (Sassafras River, Chesapeake Bay) closed due to bluegreen algal bloom.

Kent County Health officials closed Betterton Beach to swimming this week as the bluegreen algal bloom that was identified by Maryland Department of the Environment personnel on July 17th at Turner’s Creek boat launch on the Sassafras River has expanded down river. Kent County Health Officials reported that several swimmers experienced itching and rashes after contact with the bloom waters over the August 2-3 weekend prompting the closure of the beach.

Algal bloom surveys were conducted during July by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and tracked the bloom as it moved down river. Another algal survey of the river is planned for this Friday. Algal samples were collected from the Sassafras River for toxin analysis on July 22nd. Laboratory results are expected within the next week.

Environmental conditions may be appropriate for the development of blooms in other parts of the upper Chesapeake Bay as the summer progresses. The Bush River on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay has been another bloom region at the same time as the Sassafras River events. In hot weather, and especially in still water with high levels of nutrients, blue-green algae can grow and accumulate rapidly, causing a “bloom.” Although there have been no reported cases of human illness, people should take common precautions to reduce the risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:

  • The public should not swim in areas where blue-green algae bloom is evident. Do not drink water from any area with the appearance of a blue-green algae bloom.
  • If contact is made with problem water, simply wash off with fresh water. In some cases, skin irritations may occur after prolonged contact. If irritations persist, see a physician or local health care provider.
  • Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas. Blue-green algal blooms may contain toxins that could be harmful or fatal to pets and livestock.

Blue-green algae naturally occur in tidal freshwater portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. However, algal blooms may periodically use up oxygen, causing fish to suffocate and die. Affected waters may also appear as if a blue-green to yellow-green paint is floating on the surface of the water. Major blue-green algae blooms were last reported in the upper Bay region in 2000.

A Press Release regarding conditions on the Sassafras River was published by Maryland Department of the Environment July 22nd and may be referenced for further information on blue-green algal blooms in the upper Chesapeake Bay. A fact sheet on Microcystis and the 2000 bloom can be found on the Department of Natural Resources’ website at: www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/hab/microcystis2.html. Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and Environment will continue to monitor the situation and publish updates to the website as necessary. To report a fish kill or fish health related event, please call the Fish Health Hotline at (888) 584-3110, 24 hours a day.