Algal blooms in local waters – be aware

Orkney Islands Council’s Environmental Health Team has placed warning notices at the Loch of Kirbister and Loch of Harray after confirmation from SEPA that blue green algal blooms have been found in the waters there.

Shore scums like these pose greatest risk as the toxins associated with blooms of this kind can cause human health problems including skin rashes and eye irritation – and serious issues for animals, including dogs if they are swimming in and drinking affected water. Fish caught in waters affected by blue-green algae should not be eaten and should not be fed to pets.

Farmers and livestock owners are also advised to keep their animals away from a water source that is affected by a blue-green algal bloom.

Blue-green algae occur naturally in lochs, ponds, burns and the sea. In the right conditions, these can form blooms which can release toxins into the water, especially at this time of the year. Although they’re called blue-green algae, these can be khaki, dark blue, black or red in colour when they form dense mats in the water.

OIC is advising people to be on the lookout for blooms of blue-green algae in other lochs, burns and other watercourses and advising the public, especially dog owners, to be alert for blooms over the summer months. People and their pets should avoid coming into contact with water that could be affected.

SEPA have a ‘Bloomin Algae’ App -  https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae for folk to report sightings and send in photos or get in touch via https://www.sepa.org.uk/contact/