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Flesh-Eating Bacteria Invade NY Waters
23 Apr
Summary
- Harmful algae blooms are increasing in intensity across Long Island.
- Flesh-eating bacteria, once rare in New York, have appeared.
- Warming waters and nitrogen from aging cesspools fuel these threats.
New York's coastal waters are grappling with unprecedented environmental and public health challenges, including the emergence of flesh-eating bacteria. Scientists report a surge in harmful algae blooms, leading to bans on shellfishing in areas like Western Shinnecock Bay. These blooms are intensifying, posing risks as warmer summer months approach.
Professor Christopher Gobler of Stony Brook University highlights that these blooms, alongside growing "dead zones" with low oxygen, are endangering marine life, pets, and humans. Flesh-eating bacteria, previously confined to southern states, were detected in New York waters in 2023, resulting in fatalities. This situation is largely attributed to rising water temperatures and excessive nitrogen, primarily from aging underground cesspools.
However, solutions are available. Funding is being offered to homeowners to upgrade their septic systems and cesspools. Significant improvements have been seen in areas like the western Long Island Sound, where sewage treatment upgrades reduced nitrogen by 60%, shrinking the dead zone by 90% over two decades. Restorative efforts, such as introducing oysters, clams, and kelp, also help mitigate nitrogen levels in waterways.
