I was excited by Portland Press Herald’s coverage of the piping plover’s adaption despite unideal beach conditions (“Maine’s piping plovers are adapting to washed-out beaches after winter storms” June 17). Unfortunately, winter storms aren’t the only danger to our beaches. Data from past years verifies the alarming rates of bacteria at local beaches that can make our swimmers sick. For example, in 2022, 54% of Maine beaches tested had potentially unsafe levels of fecal indicator bacteria on at least one day.

Fortunately, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree is on the committee that has the power to decide how much money to allocate to the BEACH Act (HR 7203). This act will enable communities to continue beach testing, allowing us to know when there is bacteria in the water. Surfers, swimmers and other beachgoers should urge their representatives to support this act. We must fully fund the BEACH Act to ensure communities have all the resources they need. Find more information about bacteria levels at local beaches in the Safe for Swimming? report on Environment Maine’s website.

Carly Cohen
summer associate, Environment Maine
Portland

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