What is the problem?
Algal Blooms are Choking Our Waters
Ulva intestinalis, or more commonly gut weed, is the algae blooming all over our waters. In high concentrations, gut weed feeds upon and sucks up the nutrients in our waters. Then it grows at a fast rate. The result is lower salinity and light in our waters for other life. The watershed suffers. It also means decreased enjoyment for our community. Gut weed is just one instance of algae negatively impacting Kittery’s waters.
What causes the blooms? A number of factors, prominently the excess nitrogen in our creek due to contaminated runoff and lower levels of salinity impacted by local climate change.
But we if we get this right, we CAN make a difference. By adopting a stewardship mindset, we can adopt yardscaping best practices and share them with our neighbors. We can become Water Reporters to monitor the algae. We can actively advocate for Town development plans that carefully blend economic development with conservation.
The possibilities are endless, and with our community's help, the future is bright!
Aerial footage from this video is credited to Jim White of Spruce Creek TV. GoPro footage credited to Gary Sredzienski. All clips are from the 2021 bloom.
Aerial View of the Algae Blooms
Aerial video stills of Heron Point on June 23, 2021, an aerial map of Spruce Creek, and another aerial still of Goose Point on June 23, 2021.
Sources: Video stills from aerial footage by Jim White of Spruce Creek TV. Map from Lower Kittery, 1635-1700 and Google Maps with markers for approximately 10 offshoot creeks and coves. All clips are from the 2021 bloom.
Take the CreekSMART Pledge
Please consider pledging to make 5 easy changes in your yard and gardens to ensure your property is doing its part to protect Kittery’s waters.