2013-2023 Trends

The number of reported harmful blue-green algae blooms at New York State regulated bathing beaches continues to remain an issue. The charts below show the following trends:

• Overall, the total statewide number of lost beach days (Memorial Day-Labor Day) due to harmful blue-green algae blooms continues to remain high.
• The number of harmful blue-green algae-related beach closures remains high. Beaches continue closing due to frequent blooms.
• The average number of days that beaches are closed remains high with beaches closing for many days.
• Harmful blue-green algae blooms are occurring on many waterbodies with beaches.

Beach operators have been following New York State’s harmful blue-green algal bloom bathing beach guidance since 2010. While harmful blue-green algal blooms have been occurring frequently and for longer durations at New York beaches, the number of harmful blue-green algae-related reported illnesses remains very low due to in part to the vigilance of beach operators and local officials in following New York State’s guidance and notifying the public of the importance of staying away from any strongly colored water and floating mats and scums.

View latest harmful-algae bloom beach closure data by county.