Blue-green algae in Alberta is under constant surveillance by researchers, and a new website now allows the public to easily track it from any location. The Algal Bloom Tracker enables users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling, providing real-time updates on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key researcher in the project, explained that the map is regularly updated with satellite images of Alberta lakes, offering a comprehensive view of the bloom’s nature and identifying areas to avoid. These blooms, caused by cyanobacteria, can pose health risks due to the toxins they produce, affecting liver tissue and nerve impulses if ingested.
The tracker, currently a prototype developed since 2017, focuses on six lakes known for varying bloom frequencies, from rare occurrences at Sylvan Lake to frequent blooms at Lac La Biche. Plans are in place to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes across Alberta within the next three years.
Alberta Health Services issues health advisories for lakes with excessive blue-green algae levels, with over 25 advisories currently in effect across the province. The public is advised to avoid contact with affected waters to prevent health issues.
The Algal Bloom Tracker team works independently from the health advisories, aiming to provide additional information to help people make informed decisions about lake activities. Understanding the historical data on bloom intensities, the team seeks to address concerns about the changing patterns of blue-green algae in Alberta’s lakes.
