Beach day? NOT! Eeeeewwww!
#Pathogen risk found at 78% of #Maine coastal #beaches tested in 2024, report finds
July 8, 2025
"The report noted Maine beaches with persistent pollution problems last year included #GoodiesBeach in #RockportME, #GoochsBeach in #KennebunkME, #CapeNeddick Beach, #LaiteBeach in #CamdenME, Little Beach in #OgunquitME, #FerryBeach in #ScarboroughME, #WillardBeach in #SouthPortlandME, #MothersBeach in Kennebunk, and #GooseRocksBeach in #KennebunkportME ."
#ClimateChange - the gift that keeps on stinging!
Spike in #jellyfish sightings prompts coastal safety warnings across #Maine
#SouthernMaine communities advise beachgoers to stay alert with increased jellyfish sightings.
Published: 3:29 PM EDT June 24, 2025
Updated: 8:49 PM EDT June 24, 2025
MAINE, USA — "Coastal communities in southern Maine are warning beachgoers to stay alert after a rise in jellyfish sightings, including the presence of large #LionsManeJellyfish and #MoonJellies along the shoreline.
"Municipal officials and public safety departments have issued safety advisories in recent days for swimmers, families, and pet owners visiting local beaches.
" 'Today, you may notice our lifeguards flying a purple flag alongside the green flag,' the #OgunquitME Fire Department said in a social media post. 'This indicates the presence of marine life hazards—specifically an increase in lion’s mane and moon jellyfish in our local waters, as well as at other beaches along the Maine coast.'
"While most jellyfish encounters are not harmful, officials said there have been 'a few instances of jellyfish stings locally.' Lion’s mane jellyfish, in particular, can deliver painful stings that remain potent even after the jellyfish wash ashore.
"In #EliotME, police issued a warning after recent sightings near Dead Duck at the Eliot Boat Basin. The department urged caution, especially for families with dogs.
" 'Dogs are especially at risk,' the Eliot Police Department said. 'Curious sniffing or contact can lead to serious injury or illness.'
"Officials recommend keeping pets and young children away from the water’s edge if jellyfish are visible. In addition to avoiding contact, beachgoers are encouraged to report sightings to lifeguards.
"At #WillardBeach in #SouthPortlandME, a nearly five-foot-wide lion’s mane jellyfish was spotted over the weekend, according to the city’s parks and recreation department. Lifeguards have been trained to safely remove jellyfish that wash ashore using tools like shovels.
" 'If you see one, don’t touch it,' the city advised in a public post. 'They sting. Observe it—they’re interesting to watch and pretty too.'
"Those interested in helping marine researchers track #JellyfishSightings can report #observations through regional #CitizenScience platforms or agencies like the #GulfOfMaineResearchInstitute or #BigelowLaboratory for Ocean Sciences.
"In the meantime, officials are reminding visitors to enjoy Maine’s beaches safely and stay informed."
#GlobalWarming #WarmingOceans #ClimateDiary #MaineClimateDiary #MarineLife #ChangingOceans #OceansAreLife #OceanTemperatures
To give you an idea of how extreme the storm surge was in South Portland, here's a view of the fishing shacks that were washed away. This (pretty old) pic was taken at almost high tide (you can see the high water mark in the different sand textures in the foreground). The surge was not only high enough to reach the shacks, but then enough beyond that to take them away. Try to picture how much water that is across the open ocean.
#Contamination warnings issued for 5 #MaineBeaches heading into Labor Day weekend
John Terhune, Portland Press Herald, Maine
September 1, 2023
"Contaminated waters could hinder #beach adventures from York to Camden this Labor Day weekend.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued contamination warnings for five Maine beaches after finding elevated levels of #fecalbacteria.
"The affected beaches are #WillardBeach in #SouthPortland, #GooseRocksBeach in #Kennebunkport, #GoochsBeach in #Kennebunk, #CapeNeddickBeach in #YorkMaine and #LaiteBeach in #CamdenMaine. Total beach closures are rare in Maine, and as of Friday night all five affected beaches remained open.
"The presence of enterococci bacteria suggests water also may contain other harmful bacteria, #viruses or #parasites, according to the DEP's Maine Healthy Beaches program, which tracks water quality at public beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Contact with contaminated water can cause flu-like symptoms, #gastrointestinal issues, rashes and #infection.
"Beachgoers are advised to avoid areas with contamination warnings.
"Laite Beach in Camden, which had more than 26 times more fecal bacteria than the threshold deemed safe, was the most contaminated beach on Friday night, according to DEP data."
https://news.yahoo.com/contamination-warnings-issued-5-maine-035900165.html
#Maine #WetlandPreservation #SewageInfrastructure #WaterIsLife #ExtremeRain
#ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange
DoomsdaysCW
Smirk 😏