Biologycal Hazard: Red Tide - USA

GLIDE CODE: BH-20060711-6749-USA
Date & Time: 2006.07.11 - 20:28:07
Area: USA , Maine coast, ( MAP)

Description:

Red tide is once again causing problems on the Maine coast. The Department of Marine Resources closed much of the state's coast to clam diggers and mussel harvesters effective Monday. The department tests water samples daily to determine the presence of the red tide, which is a toxin that infects shellfish. If the toxin reaches a certain level, it can cause people who eat shellfish to become sick. The current closure stretches from the Maine-New Hampshire border to Isle au Haut for mussels, and to Phippsburg for clams.