Mississippi beaches remain closed; toxic algae lingers

All of Mississippi's Gulf Coast beaches remained closed to swimming this week as a giant bloom of toxic algae continues to plague the state's coastal waters in the heart of the summer tourism season.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality announced Wednesday the bloom remains just off of the Mississippi coast affecting 21 beaches in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, including the tourism hub of Biloxi.

It has affected the state's coast and tourism for almost a month, including the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Mississippi's beaches are a popular destination for Louisiana vacationers because of their close proximity. 

Gov. Phil Bryant emphasized the closures don't prevent the use of beaches for sun bathing or recreation, but people and pets shouldn't swim in the water.

MORE:All Mississippi beaches closed as toxic algae bloom blankets state's coast

Seafood harvested from the affected waters should also be avoided, but Bryant said seafood taken farther offshore is safe and being served in coastal restaurants.

“Ongoing sampling this week by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality indicates that a Harmful Algal Bloom remains in our nearshore waters along the beaches," he said. "We encourage people to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to these warnings.

"As a reminder, these warnings issued by MDEQ refer to water contact only and do not prohibit or restrict recreational use of the sand portion of any beach. We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy the beach and the many other attractions of South Mississippi. In addition, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources assures me that off-shore, locally-caught fish and seafood are safe to enjoy as well as that available in local businesses and restaurants.”

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There is no evidence of the bloom impacting the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including the popular Ship Island. The National Park Service reported all beaches in the park are currently open.

The algae bloom, or rapid growth, is in part caused to the opening of the Bonnet Carre spillway in Louisiana, which introduced an excessive amount of freshwater to the coastline.

Blue-green algae is technically not an algae, but cyanobacteria, which is known to produce toxins. Exposure can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.