Latest news with #bluegreenalgae
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Nova Scotia prepares for blue-green algae as the summer season begins
Blue algae blooms are making their presence known in the Maritimes as summer approaches. It may not have been beach weather in the Halifax area Wednesday, but as the summer approaches it won't be long until beaches are full. 'Around this time of year, we're working with our colleagues in recreation, making sure all of our protocols are up to date, and that any changes that need to be made have been approved,' said Halifax Regional Municipality Environment Manager Emma Wattie. Supervised beaches in Halifax officially open for the season July 1, which is when water quality testing begins. 'Bacteria likes it warm. They like it sunny, much like us, but they want more shallow water typically,' said Wattie. Both the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick governments are warning about the risk of blue-green algae as temperatures rise. It can look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint, pea soup or sometimes like a thick scum on the surface. Consuming or swimming in water with blue-green algae can cause skin, eye and throat irritation in humans but it can be much worse for dogs. 'These toxins are extremely potent, so even a small volume can be lethal,' said Dr. Dan Maguire, a veterinarian at PetFocus Veterinary Hospital Bedford South. Maguire said if you think your pet may have consumed contaminated water, you should get them treatment right away. 'This can be harmful to both the liver and the nervous system,' he said. 'Symptoms can appear from minutes to hours, and we're looking for things like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness.' Wattie said blue-green algae is happening more frequently and in larger blooms but there wasn't any more in the Halifax area last year than in year's past. 'When a beach or a lake has a blue-green algae bloom, it's more likely for that bloom to come back year to year, so we are seeing it in areas like Cunard Pond, and Birch Cove, and Lake Banook,' she said. There are other water issues to be on the lookout for this summer. 'We test for enterococci in the saltwater and E. coli in freshwater,' said Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service Director Paul D'Eon. The service monitors provincial beaches. 'If we get poor results, we implement a closure and do re-testing,' D'Eon said. If someone does come across blue-green algae in Halifax Regional Municipality, they should contact 311. Sightings at Nova Scotia beaches can be reported by calling 1-877-936-8576. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
AHS warns of blue-green algae at Elk Island
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning visitors to Elk Island National Park of blue-green algae seen in the waters of Astotin Lake. The health authority said to avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms and to wash with tap water as soon as possible if contact occurs. Do not swim or allow pets to swim or wade in areas where the algae is visible. Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake. Do not feed any fish or fish trimmings to pets. Fish filets from the lake are safe for humans to eat. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface water. It can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy. Blue-green algae Blue-green algae is seen near the shore in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Grand River Conservation Authority/ Skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea can occur when exposed to blue-green algae or by consuming water containing the bacteria. Exposure to blue-green algae can cause death to pets. Waters of Astotin Lake that do not have visible blue-green algae can still be used for recreational purposes.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
N.B. government warns public of blue-green algae
Atlantic Watch The New Brunswick government is reminding the public of the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, as temperatures rise.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
N.B. government warns public of blue-green algae health risks with temperatures rising
The New Brunswick government is reminding the public of the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, as temperatures rise. Although not all blue-green algae are harmful, some produce toxins that can cause skin, eye and throat irritation. Ingesting these toxins may lead to stomach issues and can also harm pets, fish, wildlife and livestock, a news release said. 'We want all residents to be active and enjoy the outdoors, but we also want them to understand and consider the potential risks of exposure to cyanobacteria,' said Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health. 'New Brunswickers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appearance of cyanobacteria blooms in order to minimize risks for themselves, their loved ones and pets.' Surface blooms of cyanobacteria are usually blue-green, but can also appear green, red or brown. 'There are always things you can do to help protect yourself while enjoying recreational waters,' said Léger. 'Cyanobacteria blooms can be unpredictable, so it's important to always check the water and scan the shoreline before entering and avoid swimming in areas where there are visible blooms or mats.' Benthic mats that form at the bottom of lakes and rivers can resemble clumps of vegetation and appear black, brown or dark green in water. They may turn brown or grey when dried on shore. Blue-green algae can be toxic and deadly to dogs in ingested. Owners should not allow dogs to eat shoreline vegetation or floating benthic mats. Other safety warnings include: always supervise young children and pets near recreational waters do not swallow lake or river water bathe or shower after being in recreational waters do not enter the water with open cuts or sores always wash your hands before eating 'The government continues to support various cyanobacteria research projects through the Environmental Trust Fund,' said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage. 'These projects, which are underway throughout the province, are intended to build a better understanding of the distribution of cyanobacteria and potential toxins.' For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Blue-green algae from Lough Neagh displayed during Belfast Photo Festival
The plight of Lough Neagh is being highlighted by a major festival with blue-green algae from the lough being displayed in a water cooler. Images of the toxic substance are also being shown on digital billboards as part of the Belfast Photo Festival. Blue-green algae returned to Lough Neagh in April after noxious blooms covered large swathes of the UK's largest freshwater lake by surface area during the previous two summers and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. The stark highlighting of the issue comes as this year's festival focuses on 'biosphere'. Five photographers collaborated with conservation groups and local communities across Northern Ireland to visualise the fragility and beauty of the natural heritage, with focus on Lough Neagh, peatland, marine areas, the wider Belfast Hills, and temperate rainforests. The co-curated narratives and photographic works are being showcased and discussed across 10 exhibitions and more than 12 events in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland as part of this year's festival. Shallow Waters by Joe Laverty, which is on display at Antrim Lough Shore and on digital billboards across Belfast, focuses on Lough Neagh. Toby Smith, a director at Belfast Photo Festival, said the images show the urgency of their exhibitions. 'As Belfast Photo Festival 2025 launches, we are displaying images of Lough Neagh's toxic blue-green algae on digital billboards across the city,' he said. 'These striking visuals mark the urgency of our exhibitions on Northern Ireland's natural heritage. 'Already, small blooms are appearing around the lough, a warning of the widespread danger, disruption and public concern experienced in previous years. 'These images are not only a warning, but a reflection of how the root causes of this environmental crisis remain unaddressed.' He said three deactivated water coolers filled with contaminated water from the lough and safely sealed have been installed at their Photobook Library in Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum and at Belfast Exposed. 'Clearly branded with official public health warning stickers, these installations – which contain algal bloom, slurry scum from tributaries, and water from industrial outflow – complement the Shallow Waters project and offer a visceral encounter with the pollution entering a vital ecosystem and the source of around 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water,' he added. Artist Laverty said he wanted to tell the story of the lough, which he said was 'dying in front of us'. 'It is fighting a perfect storm of largely man-made conditions that threaten to destroy its ecosystem,' he said. 'Decades of pollution from intensive farming and industry, an inefficient wastewater management system, and industrial sand dredging, coupled with the invasion of zebra mussels and the lough's naturally shallow waters, have resulted in an annual bloom of toxic blue-green algae which results in the lough being out of bounds for most people for nearly half the year. 'This mismanagement of what should be the jewel in the crown of Northern Ireland's natural heritage has resulted in an environmental catastrophe, causing a dramatic loss of habitat and species around the lough. It's a real blow to our heritage and tradition. 'It has also seen a loss of livelihood for many people, particularly the eel fishers, who have had their season temporarily paused after only a few weeks this year because of the quality of the catch. 'With Shallow Waters, I am trying to weave a thread of connection between the tradition of the lough, and the impact of heavy industry and intensive farming which are hugely problematic for the lough's future. I have tried to take a long, slow look at the lough, photographing around the edges of the issues, to find a quieter truth in amongst people's stories and the landscape. 'Photography, at its best, is about storytelling and I really believe there is a story worth telling about Lough Neagh.' The festival features animated public spaces in Belfast and beyond, with exhibitions from a host of local and international visual artists alongside a programme of partner exhibitions, talks, workshops and screenings. This year's festival, which is supported by Arts Council Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Fluxus, and Alexander Boyd Displays invites viewers to explore new imagery, commissions and projects that spark positive change in how we view and inhabit our shared Earth. Belfast Photo Festival runs until June 30. For more information, visit
