MV CYANO has detected elevated concentrations of cyanobacteria throughout Edgartown Great Pond. Floating clumps of cyanobacteria were present at Max’s Landing and a few were spotted at the center of the Pond. Microscopy revealed at least 2 genera of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in these clumps. As such, the Edgartown Board of Health (BOH) has issued a cyanobacteria bloom ADVISORY for Max’s Landing, and other areas of Edgartown Great Pond are either in WATCH (Wintucket & Meshacket Coves) or ALERT (all other regions of EGP) status.
Anabaena, a type of cyanobacteria.
Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria.
The Edgartown BOH has designated highly conservative risk levels in order to keep the community safe. The red ADVISORY means that, in addition to not letting your dog and/or toddler play in the water and possibly ingest it, (which is generally advised against at any time during the season when blooms are possible), the BOH advises against fishing (crabs, fish, shellfish) and/or eating catch, or wading or swimming around Max’s Landing until conditions change for the better. If you have been exposed to pond water, please wash skin with soap and water.
Please also make sure to keep your dog away from the water. Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to cyanobacteria, so please take caution and use leashes near the water.
We plan to resample the Pond early next week and will continue weekly sampling into October, as weather permits. If levels remain high next week, we will send samples for toxin cyanotoxin analysis.
Cyanobacteria comes in many forms. It can appear as surface scums, algal mats, and benthic (bottom) dwelling material.
