Blue Green Algae warnings after the UK summer heat and dry spell

[Jo Farrow]

Blue Green Algae blooms can be lethal to animals. The summer's hot and sunny conditions mean there are extra reports of the potentially toxic presence in UK waters. Dog owners take note.

Read more here

[JeffC]

Blue Green Algae was confirmed on Coniston Water in early July and there were reports of people becoming quite unwell after swimming, prior to it being recognised and warnings able to be put out.

It happens quite frequently to be honest and is perhaps a barometer of what we're doing to our waterways. The two factors which cannot be influenced at a local level are temperature and light, of which there was plenty between April and the end of July, low rainfall and lack of wind to disperse algal blooms was also a factor in perpetuating the blooms.

What can be influenced locally though is nutrient input and for Coniston this is a key part of an HLF funded project Conserving Coniston and Crane  https://ccc.scrt.co.uk worth a look if it's your kinda thing, I've been involved at various levels and remain on the core group.

We've had a normal rainfall since late July but while out fishing on Monday algae was still noticeable.

 

Edited August 16, 2018 by JeffC