2 areas of Casco Bay temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting as algae bloom spreads
Maine Closes Shellfish Harvesting in Parts of Casco Bay Amid Algae Bloom
The Maine Department of Marine Resources announced a temporary, emergency closure of shellfish harvesting in specific areas of Casco Bay on Friday, citing a widespread bloom of the phytoplankton Karenia mikimotoi. The closure, which takes effect Saturday, targets Maquoit Bay in Brunswick and the eastern side of Middle Bay in Harpswell, as authorities seek to protect vulnerable shellfish populations from the bloom’s impacts.
Karenia mikimotoi, while not toxic to humans, is known to harm shellfish and other marine organisms. The bloom has spread from the New Hampshire coast all the way to Penobscot Bay, affecting a broad stretch of Maine’s southern shoreline. “Harvesting during the bloom could cause additional stress and increased mortality for shellfish in the area,” the department warned, underscoring its concern that commercial and recreational fishing could exacerbate the already observed decline in shellfish health.
Local officials in Brunswick have echoed these concerns. In a recent social‑media post, the town’s coastal resource officer reported “signs of stress and some mortality” among soft‑shell clams and other marine life in Maquoit Bay. The town urged harvesters to stay clear of the affected zones.
The emergency shutdown comes as part of Maine’s broader monitoring efforts to assess the bloom’s reach and severity. Officials continue to track the algae’s movement and its effects on the Gulf of Maine’s fragile ecosystems.
Stakeholders—including commercial fishers, hobbyists, and local businesses—await further guidance from the Department of Marine Resources and are advised to stay updated on any additional restrictions that may be imposed as the bloom evolves.
For residents and visitors, the closure means no shellfish harvesting in the specified bays starting this Saturday. The Department will assess conditions and lift the ban once conditions improve and the bloom subsides.
