Researchers in Alberta are closely monitoring blue-green algae, and a new website now allows the public to track these toxic algal blooms in real-time. The Algal Bloom Tracker offers users the ability to monitor six lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling, all conveniently displayed on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key figure in the project, highlighted that the map is regularly updated through satellite images captured over Alberta lakes. Vinebrooke, an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Alberta, emphasized that satellite images provide a comprehensive view of the entire lake, aiding in identifying the nature of the bloom and potential hazard zones.
Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, can proliferate in Alberta lakes during the summer, posing health risks due to toxin production. Vinebrooke emphasized the dynamic nature of these blooms, which can appear and disappear within days, underscoring the importance of satellite tracking for close monitoring.
The Algal Bloom Tracker website allows individuals planning lake activities to check for current or recent algal bloom occurrences. The prototype currently covers six lakes, selected to represent varying bloom frequencies, from Sylvan Lake with rare blooms to Lac La Biche with frequent occurrences. The team aims to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes across Alberta in the next three years.
Alberta Health Services issues health advisories when excessive blue-green algae is detected in lakes, with over 25 advisories currently in effect. The public is cautioned to avoid contact with blooms, including swimming in affected areas and using lake water for consumption or cooking.
The Algal Bloom Tracker functions independently of Alberta Health Services, serving as a tool for informed decision-making regarding lake activities. Vinebrooke suggested adhering to health advisories as a precaution, given the unpredictable nature of blue-green algae blooms. Historical satellite data indicates an increase in bloom intensities since 2000, leading to heightened year-to-year variability and unpredictability.
The project’s website not only aims to aid in tracking algal blooms but also seeks to enhance understanding of these occurrences. The detrimental impacts of harmful algal blooms on recreation, tourism, real estate, and Indigenous communities underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and research efforts.