Researchers in Alberta are closely tracking blue-green algae, and now the public can easily monitor the situation through a newly launched website. The Algal Bloom Tracker allows users to track toxic algal blooms at six different lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling, providing near real-time results on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key figure in the project, mentioned that the map gets updated by satellites regularly passing over the lakes in Alberta, capturing images of the water. This technology provides a comprehensive view of the entire lake, helping users identify the nature of the bloom and which areas to avoid.
Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, tends to flourish in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during the summer, sometimes forming visually distinctive green scum. These blooms can pose health risks as some produce toxins harmful to the liver and can interfere with nerve impulses, causing neurological damage.
The Algal Bloom Tracker website enables individuals planning to visit lakes for recreational activities to check for any ongoing or recent algal bloom issues. Users can also review a lake’s historical data to assess its past bloom occurrences.
Currently, the tracker covers six lakes, including Ethel Lake, Lac La Biche, Nakamun Lake, Pigeon Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Wabamun Lake, representing a range of bloom frequencies. The team aims to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes across Alberta within the next three years.
Alberta Health Services issues health advisories when high levels of blue-green algae are detected in lakes, with over 25 advisories currently in place across the province. The public is advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies to prevent health issues.
The Algal Bloom Tracker operates independently from AHS, serving as a tool for public awareness rather than issuing official advisories. Researchers are also studying long-term trends in blue-green algae occurrences to understand if Alberta’s lakes are deteriorating.
The ultimate goal of the project, as outlined on its website, is to enhance understanding of harmful algal blooms and mitigate their detrimental impacts on recreation, tourism, property values, and Indigenous communities in Alberta.