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MAINE: Toxic phytoplankton blooms believed to be killing shellfish off Maine coast

September 10, 2026 — Right now, the Maine Department of Marine Resources is monitoring a threat to fish and shellfish from Casco Bay to Middle Bay in Harpswell.

Testing shows counts of toxic phytoplankton blooms are relatively low.

Yet they’re still believed to be what’s killing lobsters and littleneck clams off Harpswell and in Portland Harbor.

While the phytoplankton blooms, like the one causing brownish water off Widgery Wharf, can be deadly to fish and shellfish, it is not harmful to humans.

Read the full article at WGME

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