Blue-green algae in Alberta is under close monitoring by researchers, accessible to the public through a new website. The Algal Bloom Tracker allows users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling, providing near real-time results on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Alberta and one of the project’s researchers, explains that the map is regularly updated with satellite images capturing the lakes’ conditions. This technology offers a comprehensive view of the entire lake, aiding in identifying the nature of the bloom and areas to avoid.
Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, can form large blooms in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during the summer. Beyond the visual green scum they create, these blooms pose health risks due to potential toxin production, leading to liver and neurological damage if ingested.
The Algal Bloom Tracker website enables visitors to check if a lake currently or recently had an algal bloom, providing historical data on bloom occurrences. Currently active for six lakes, the tracker aims to expand to about 50 lakes across Alberta in the next three years.
When blue-green algae levels are excessive, Alberta Health Services issues health advisories. Presently, over 25 advisories are in effect, cautioning people to avoid contact with affected waters to prevent health issues.
The Algal Bloom Tracker team operates independently from AHS, offering a tool for public awareness rather than official advisories. The website aims to provide valuable insights into harmful algal blooms, their impacts, and the importance of understanding their occurrence.
