1999 Brown Tide Distribution
The bloom conditions observed are of concern, but it is currently
unclear whether they were prolonged enough in duration to result in
significant impacts to bivalves and seagrasses. Assessments of possible
impacts to living resources are being explored.
Ongoing seagrass and shellfish monitoring programs in this area will
continue. Maryland DNR continues to work closely with researchers at
University of Maryland and Old Dominion University to better understand
the factors that control the growth of this organism in the coastal
bays.
In 1999, cell counts identified the algae at modest levels
(100,000-200,000 cells/ml) in all major coastal bays and tributaries,
except Sinepuxent. Significant levels (greater than 200,000 cells/ml)
were observed at Ocean Pines, Tingles Island, Trappe Creek and Taylors
Landing stations.
A bar graph showing brown tide counts in 1999 from late May to mid July.
