A blue-green algae forces Mississippi beaches to close

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Beach goers heads up if you’re planning a trip to the Mississippi Coast. Nine beaches are closed due to a blue-green harmful algal bloom.

Four beaches in Hancock County and five in Harrison County are closed. Officials are urging folks to stay out of the water as well as keep their pets out of the water.

County leaders say this is a precautionary measure.

The Department of Marine Resources they’ve never seen this type of algae in the Gulf but they believe it started due to fresh water coming from the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

“Most likely from the freshwater intrusion from the Bonnet Carre Spillway. These algal bloom usually occur when you have the nutrient rich fresh water enter into our sound,” said Deputy Dir. of Marine Fisheries, Rick Burris.

Businesses are also being impacted by the algae outbreak.

So far, our sister station WXXV is reporting that the Department of Marine Resources says none of the algae has been found on the Barrier Islands yet.