Ship Island Excursions has survived hurricanes, global recessions, a world war and a host of economic challenges since the ferry company began taking passengers to the barrier islands that dot coastal Mississippi in the 1920s. But this year, a new threat has emerged: an explosion of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, that has shut down virtually all of Mississippis beaches since July 4.

No one knows when the algae will disappear, and many wonder how many businesses that operate in the region will survive the hit.

Beach vendors have been wiped out, said Louis Skrmetta, operations manager for Ship Island Excursions. Ive never seen something so dramatic. Its very similar to the BP oil spill. People are frightened to just walk in the sand.