Its caused by 'mahogany tides' ... virulent and 'early' algae blooms on the Ches. this year.
Caused by low fresh water coming into the bay, etc., higher than normal temps., 'pollution' (aka failing sewage treatment and sewerage lines) ... and westerly winds instead of southerlies which keep the bay 'turned over' and 'mixed'.
Lots of info in the local newspapers, accuweather, MD-DNR, etc.
Its already a 'stinking' MESS ..... and thats why Ive switched to Micron-Extra a few years back: no slime which blinds off the copper so the barnacles can get a 'foothold'. Its shaping up to be an extreme year for barnacles on the Ches. for those who dont use an anti-slime bottom paint .... unless the prevailing winds change back to 'southerly' and it ever begins to rain heavily to sweep out the Ches.
