Blue-green algae in Alberta is under close observation by researchers, and a newly launched website allows the public to monitor the situation remotely. The Algal Bloom Tracker gives users access to real-time updates on toxic algal blooms at six different lakes through satellite imagery and lake sampling, all displayed on an interactive map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key figure in the project, explains that the map is regularly updated using satellite images of Alberta lakes, providing a comprehensive view of the blooms and helping individuals identify areas to avoid. Vinebrook, an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Alberta, emphasizes the importance of satellite technology in closely tracking algae blooms, which can rapidly appear and disappear.
These blooms, caused by cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, can proliferate in nutrient-rich lakes during the summer months. Apart from altering the water’s appearance with green scum, these blooms pose health risks due to toxin production. Ingesting these toxins can harm the liver and interfere with nerve function, leading to neurological issues.
The Algal Bloom Tracker project team is independent of Alberta Health Services (AHS), which issues health advisories based on physical examinations and water sample testing. The tracker serves as a tool for making informed decisions about water activities. Vinebrook advises the public to heed health advisories, as even if algae may not be visible, it could have been present recently.
Currently, the Algal Bloom Tracker covers six lakes, including popular outdoor recreational spots like Sylvan Lake and Lac La Biche, showcasing a range of bloom frequencies. The team aims to expand the tracker to around 50 lakes across Alberta in the next three years.
Amid the increasing number of blue-green algae advisories in Alberta, with over 25 in effect currently, people are urged to avoid contact with blooms, refrain from swimming or using affected water for consumption or cooking. The project website highlights the significant negative impacts of algal blooms on various aspects of Alberta’s environment and emphasizes the importance of understanding the occurrence of harmful blooms for stakeholders, policymakers, and the community at large.