Brown Tide Rolls into Bays

A brown algae tide has returned to both Shinnecock and Quantuk Bays.

Science Daily reported on Wednesday that the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences recorded the brown tide progressively increasing through the month of May and as of June 1 it was recorded at a top density.

In recent years, the western portion of Shinnecock Bay has been plagued with brown tides, which first appeared in the area around 1985, wreaking havoc on marine life, especially filter fish, including clams.

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The school told Science Daily that more than 800,000 cells per milliliter have been recorded in western Shinnecock Bay — any density higher than 50,000 cells per milliliter are a danger to marine life.

While Shinnecock and Quantuck Bays, as well as Moriches Bays are experiencing a brown tide, Science Daily reported that the Great South Bay has a better outlook due to a breach created by Superstorm Sandy.

The breach, which has not been sealed, has allowed bay water to meet ocean water, creating a natural flushing system, Dr. Christopher Gobler, a Professor within Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences told Science Daily.

James Foley, owner of the Hampton Lady, a fishing charter, based out of Hampton Bays, told Patch earlier this month, that he too has noticed a change in the water after Superstorm Sandy, finding it cleaner in certain areas. He also said fishermen are pulling larger fish from the water.

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Whopper of a Fluke Landed in Hampton Bays

Numerous environmentalists have launched programs to both protect marine-life, as well as thwart the return of the brown tide, including a recent program that asks Southampton residents to volunteer their time to raise oysters.

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The Peconic Baykeeper is also on an ongoing mission to reduce nitrogen levels in the bays by lobbying lawmakers to enact stricter standards for nitrogen effluence from sewage and require that the latest technology be used.

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