Previous Outbreaks

2008 Outbreak
A significant regional-scale Alexandrium fundyense bloom occurred within the Gulf of Maine in 2008. Toxicity was particularly high in eastern Maine but also extended south to Massachusetts Bay and parts of Cape Cod. An offshore bloom of the species was also detected on Georges Bank. It is noteworthy that this bloom was predicted several months in advance based on the abundance of A. fundyense cysts in Gulf of Maine sediments (see press release).

2007 Outbreak
In 2007, toxicity was restricted to sections of Eastern and Western Maine. A large, offshore bloom was documented on Georges Bank as well.

2006 Outbreak
Significant regional-scale Alexandrium fundyense blooms occurred in both 2005 and 2006. The 2005 event was longer, extended further to the south and had higher cell concentrations and shellfish toxicities.

2005 Outbreak
Spring 2005 brought the worst "bloom" of the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense since a massive outbreak occurred in 1972 in the New England region. These outbreaks are commonly called the red tide, but scientists prefer the term "harmful algal bloom" (or HAB).

Last updated: July 14, 2009