SCITUATE, Mass. (WHDH) -- Two south shore beaches are closed due to high bacteria counts in the water.

The beaches in Scituate are Peggotty and Sand Hills.

Officials say the bacteria is likely due to rain runoff from recent storms.

Meanwhile, beaches up down the Massachusetts shore are being blanketed with smelly seaweed that hails from Japan.

The seaweed resembles red matted hair.

The Boston Globe reports the seaweed is threatening native wildlife, the odor is jeopardizing tourism and causing a stink for beach front residents.

Some local towns are using trucks to haul it away or covering it with sand.