BLOOM ADVISORY

MV CYANO has detected a cyanobacteria bloom in Middle Chilmark Pond. The Chilmark Board of Health has issued a red bloom “ADVISORY” for Middle Chilmark Pond. The cyanobacteria bloom in Middle Pond is a surface macro algal mat, which means a dense layer of algae is floating on the surface.

 Island Boards of Health have 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 Chilmark Health Department advises against fishing (crabs, fish, shellfish) and/or eating catch, or wading or swimming in Middle Chilmark Pond until conditions change for the better. Please also make sure to keep your dog away. Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to cyanobacteria, so please take caution.

The other regions of the Pond remain in yellow or orange status. Thanks to Chilmark Pond Foundation, weekly cyanobacteria monitoring of all regions of Chilmark Pond will continue into the fall. 

If you see green clumps or scum that is not indicated on the map, please let us know and avoid it.

 Should you have further questions about risk, please reach out to Chilmark Health Agent, Anna McCaffrey, boh@chilmarkma.gov.  Should you have any further questions about the testing procedures, please feel free reach out to GPF:

mvcyano@greatpondfoundation.org