The study looked at how harmful algal blooms in Massachusetts Bay in 2005 and 2008 were transported. They found that in 2005, the toxic phytoplankton came from the Bay of Fundy, while in 2008, it came from western Maine and local rivers. The algae were carried by the Gulf of Maine Coastal Current. Strong currents from the Bay of Fundy and Penobscot Bay brought the algae into Massachusetts Bay.