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Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
Cyanobacteria is the scientific name for blue-green algae. It is most commonly found in shallow, warm, and slow-moving or still water, such as freshwater ponds and wetlands. While some species are blue-green, this algae can vary in colour from olive and dark green to purple and even yellow-green. Cyanobacteria is of concern because it can produce toxins under certain conditions.
When large masses of cyanobacteria form, it is known as a 'bloom'. Cyanobacteria blooms tend to make the water look like thick pea soup. Blooms are also common in other parts of Canada. What causes them is not known.
Three cases of cyanobacteria blooms have been documented in PEI in the past decade.
October 2004 – MacLure’s Dam, Murray River
July/August 2005 – MacLure’s Dam, Murray River
July/August 2005 – Clark’s Pond, Cavendish (PEI National Park)
Blue-green algae blooms
Potential Animal and Human Health Impacts
Blue-green algae blooms often form a scum on the surface of freshwater ponds and lakes. The algae can cause skin rashes and irritation of the eyes for swimmers. Humans that accidently drink the water while swimming can experience nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, or cramps.
Livestock, pets, terrestrial wildlife, and aquatic life can also be harmed.
Because blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins, it is wise to treat them with caution. When a heavy growth of blue-green algae is identified, PEI's Chief Health Officer will issue a public advisory. When this happens, signs are posted advising the public to avoid swimming in, or eating fish from, the water and to keep animals from drinking the water.
The only way to confirm whether a particular bloom is toxic is through laboratory analysis.
Monitoring for Blue-Green Algae
The PEI Department of Environment, Labour and Justice and Parks Canada are working co-operatively to monitor Island ponds for the presence of blue-green algae blooms. Public advisories will be posted on this website.
If you see what you suspect is a blue-green algae bloom, please contact the Department of Environment, Labour and Justice at (902) 368-5044.
This information has been taken from website "Environment"