Blue-green algae surveillance in Alberta is being conducted by researchers, with a new website enabling public monitoring. The Algal Bloom Tracker permits users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six lakes through satellite imagery and lake sampling, offering near real-time results on a user-friendly map. Rolf Vinebrooke, a University of Alberta aquatic ecology professor involved in the project, mentions that the website is regularly updated with satellite images capturing the water conditions. This technology provides a comprehensive view of the lake, aiding in identifying areas affected by the blooms.
Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, can proliferate in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during summer, potentially posing health hazards due to toxin production. Vinebrooke highlights the dynamic nature of these blooms, which can rapidly appear and vanish. The Algal Bloom Tracker allows individuals planning lake activities to check for current or recent blooms, as well as review a lake’s historical bloom data. Currently operational for six lakes, including popular recreational spots like Sylvan Lake and Lac La Biche, the tracker aims to expand to approximately 50 lakes in Alberta over the next three years.
Health advisories are issued by Alberta Health Services when excessive blue-green algae levels are detected, with over 25 advisories presently in effect across the province. The public is cautioned to avoid contact with affected water bodies. The Algal Bloom Tracker, distinct from official health advisories, serves as an informational tool for making informed decisions about water activities. Vinebrooke emphasizes the importance of adhering to health advisories due to the unpredictability of blue-green algae blooms.
The project’s website also emphasizes the need to comprehend harmful algal blooms’ occurrences due to their detrimental impacts on recreation, tourism, property values, and Indigenous communities in Alberta. Understanding the timing, location, and causes of these blooms is crucial for various stakeholders.