Researchers in Alberta are closely monitoring blue-green algae, and the public can now track its presence through a newly launched website. The Algal Bloom Tracker offers real-time updates on toxic algal blooms at six lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling, presenting the information on an interactive map accessible to all users for free.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key researcher on the project and an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Alberta, explained that the map is regularly updated by satellite images capturing the lakes’ conditions, allowing viewers to identify the nature of the blooms and avoid affected areas. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can rapidly multiply in nutrient-rich Alberta lakes during the summer, posing health risks due to toxin production that can harm liver tissue and interfere with nerve impulses if ingested.
The Algal Bloom Tracker currently focuses on six lakes: Ethel Lake, Lac La Biche, Nakamun Lake, Pigeon Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Wabamun Lake, chosen to represent varying levels of bloom frequency. The team plans to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes across Alberta within the next three years. The tracker provides historical data on the lakes, enabling users to assess the risk of algal blooms at their chosen recreation spots.
When excessive blue-green algae levels are detected, Alberta Health Services issues health advisories to warn the public. Presently, over 25 advisories are in effect across the province, advising against contact with the blooms, including swimming or using water from affected lakes. The Algal Bloom Tracker complements these official advisories by offering a tool for public awareness and informed decision-making regarding water activities.
Vinebrooke emphasized the importance of monitoring blue-green algae blooms and understanding their impacts on recreation, tourism, property values, and Indigenous communities. The project’s website aims to provide valuable insights on when, where, and why harmful algal blooms occur, catering to scientists, policymakers, residents, and recreational lake users seeking to safeguard water quality.
