Midcoast Conservancy launches Cyanobacteria education campaign to promote healthy waters in Maine

Midcoast Conservancy, with support from a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant, has partnered with the Maine Cyanobacteria Group to create a free, printer-friendly informational poster to help the public recognize and reduce risks associated with cyanobacteria (harmful algal) blooms.

The poster is designed for use by municipalities, lake associations, conservation groups, and individuals, and can be scaled up with fill-in areas for local updates such as recent testing results, current bloom levels, and local contacts. A radio ad campaign will begin airing in August.

Maine is known for its natural beauty with sparkling freshwater lakes and ponds. However, in warmer months algal blooms can develop in some bodies of freshwater, turning those pristine waters murky green. Since some of these algal blooms pose health risks to young children and pets, it’s important to know what to look for and how to assess the health of the water before your pet dives in or your kids go for a swim. 

The effort provides a general overview of how to spot cyanobacteria blooms, the potential health risks—especially for young children and pets—and practical steps to protect freshwater bodies. Where appropriate, the materials direct readers to trusted resources, including the CDC for health guidance and the Maine DEP for reporting concerns.

The free, downloadable PDF is available here.   

This project was funded in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, in which proceeds from the sale of a dedicated instant lottery ticket (currently Leap for Loot) are used to support outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation. For more information about MOHF, go to www.maine.gov/ifw/mohf.