Researchers in Alberta are closely monitoring blue-green algae, and the public can now easily track this phenomenon through a newly launched website. The Algal Bloom Tracker enables users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six different lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling. The website offers near real-time updates displayed on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key researcher involved in the project, explained that the map is regularly updated with satellite images capturing the state of Alberta lakes. This technology provides a comprehensive view of the lakes, helping individuals identify areas affected by blooms and take necessary precautions.
Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, can rapidly multiply in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during the summer months. These blooms, characterized by green scum in water, pose health risks as some strains produce toxins harmful to the liver and nervous system.
The Algal Bloom Tracker allows people planning lake activities to check for current or recent blooms at the selected lakes. The website also offers historical data on bloom occurrences over the past few years, aiding in decision-making regarding lake usage.
Currently, the tracker covers six lakes, each representing a different bloom frequency level. Plans are underway to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes in Alberta over the next three years. Health advisories are issued by Alberta Health Services when blue-green algae levels exceed safety thresholds in a lake, with over 25 advisories currently in place across the province.
The Algal Bloom Tracker operates independently from health advisories and serves as a precautionary tool for public use. While the project aims to raise awareness and understanding of algal blooms, Vinebrooke highlighted the need for public adherence to health advisories for safe lake activities.
The project’s website emphasizes the importance of monitoring harmful algal blooms due to their detrimental impacts on recreational activities, tourism, property values, and indigenous communities in Alberta. Understanding the occurrence and causes of these blooms is crucial for various stakeholders involved in lake management and conservation efforts.