Researchers in Alberta are keeping a close eye on blue-green algae, and now the public can easily track its presence through a newly launched website. The Algal Bloom Tracker provides real-time updates on toxic algal blooms at six lakes using a combination of satellite imagery and lake sampling. Rolf Vinebrooke, a key figure in the project, highlighted that satellite images help identify the nature of the blooms and potential hazard zones. The initiative aims to enhance public awareness and safety regarding cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, which can pose health risks due to their toxin-producing capabilities.
The Algal Bloom Tracker currently covers six lakes, including Ethel Lake, Lac La Biche, Nakamun Lake, Pigeon Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Wabamun Lake, each representing different bloom frequencies. The team plans to expand the tracking system to about 50 lakes in Alberta over the next three years. The website also serves as a valuable resource for visitors to check the bloom status of a lake before engaging in recreational activities. Moreover, users can access historical bloom data to assess past occurrences and trends.
When blue-green algae levels exceed safe limits in a lake, Alberta Health Services issues health advisories. Presently, over 25 advisories are active across the province, cautioning against direct contact with blooms and the use of contaminated water. The Algal Bloom Tracker operates independently of health advisories, acting as a supplementary tool for public decision-making. It aims to support informed choices regarding lake activities and swimming locations.
Vinebrooke emphasized the importance of following health advisories due to the unpredictable nature of algal blooms. While bloom intensities have shown a slight increase since 2000, the focus is on the growing variability and unpredictability from year to year. The project not only tracks current blooms but also seeks to understand the underlying factors driving algal bloom occurrences. The website’s mission extends to raising awareness about the impacts of harmful algal blooms on various aspects of Alberta’s environment and communities.