Blue-green algae in Alberta is under constant surveillance by researchers, with a new website enabling public tracking. The Algal Bloom Tracker allows users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six lakes through satellite imagery and lake sampling, providing near real-time results on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a researcher involved in the project, highlights that the map is regularly updated using satellite images capturing the lakes’ conditions. This technology offers a comprehensive view of the blooms, aiding in identifying areas to avoid.
Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, can rapidly multiply in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during the summer, posing health risks due to toxin production. Vinebrook emphasizes the dynamic nature of these blooms, which can appear and disappear within days, underscoring the importance of satellite tracking for closer monitoring.
The Algal Bloom Tracker website also offers historical data for users to check a lake’s bloom history before planning visits or recreational activities. Currently operational for six lakes, the tracker aims to expand to around 50 lakes in Alberta within the next three years.
Alberta Health Services issues health advisories when excessive blue-green algae levels are detected in lakes, with over 25 advisories currently in effect across the province. Recommendations include avoiding contact with blooms to prevent health risks.
The Algal Bloom Tracker operates independently from AHS advisories, providing a tool for the public to make informed decisions about water activities. The website also seeks to enhance understanding of algal blooms’ impacts on recreation, tourism, real estate, and Indigenous communities in Alberta.
