TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM STILL PRESENT IN MISSISSIPPI GULF WATERS

The storm surge brought on by Hurricane Barry did nothing to chase away the toxic algae bloom that has led to the closure of Mississippi beaches.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality tested waters samples along Jackson County’s beaches and in Biloxi on Sunday and found the continued presence of the algae bloom. Sampling on other beaches will continue this week.

While beachgoers are warned to stay out of the water, the sand portion of the beaches remains open. However, the agency warns people to stay away from any algae that has washed onto the beach and to contact the emergency management office if they see any.

The algae bloom was catalyzed by freshwater that was dumped into the Gulf of Mexico when the Bonnet Carre Spillway was opened in Louisiana. The addition of freshwater to the Gulf resulted in abnormally low salinity that triggered the algae bloom.

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