Blue-green algae in Alberta is under close observation by researchers, with a new website allowing public monitoring from anywhere. The Algal Bloom Tracker offers users the ability to track 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 key researcher, explains that the map is regularly updated by satellite images of Alberta lakes, enabling a comprehensive view of the blooms and areas to avoid. Cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, can proliferate in nutrient-rich lakes during summer, posing health risks due to potential toxin production.
The tracker, a prototype in development since 2017, is active for six lakes, including Ethel Lake, Lac La Biche, Nakamun Lake, Pigeon Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Wabamun Lake, chosen to represent varying bloom frequencies. Plans are underway to expand the tracker to around 50 lakes in Alberta over the next three years.
When excessive blue-green algae is detected, Alberta Health Services issues health advisories for lakes, with more than 25 in effect currently. The Algal Bloom Tracker operates separately from AHS advisories, providing a tool for the public to make informed decisions about water activities.
Research on blue-green algae aims to understand its impact on lakes and communities better, emphasizing the importance of monitoring harmful algal blooms. The project’s website highlights the negative consequences of these blooms on recreation, tourism, real estate, and Indigenous communities, underlining the significance of tracking and understanding their occurrence.