Researchers in Alberta are closely monitoring blue-green algae, and the public can now track this phenomenon through a newly launched website. The Algal Bloom Tracker allows users to monitor toxic algal blooms at six lakes using satellite imagery and lake sampling. This real-time information is accessible on a user-friendly map.
Rolf Vinebrooke, a key figure in the project, explained that the map is regularly updated with satellite images of Alberta lakes. As an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Alberta, Vinebrook highlighted the advantage of satellite images in providing a comprehensive view of the lake, aiding in identifying areas affected by the bloom.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can proliferate in Alberta lakes during the summer, posing health risks due to toxin production. Vinebrook emphasized the dynamic nature of these blooms, which can appear and disappear within days, underscoring the importance of satellite tracking for closer monitoring.
The Algal Bloom Tracker currently covers six lakes, including popular recreational spots like Sylvan Lake and Lac La Biche, offering insights into bloom frequency. Plans are underway to expand the tracker to approximately 50 lakes across Alberta in the next three years.
Health advisories are issued by Alberta Health Services when excessive blue-green algae is detected in lakes, with over 25 advisories currently in effect across the province. The Algal Bloom Tracker complements these official advisories by providing additional information for public awareness and decision-making.
By leveraging historical satellite data, researchers aim to better understand blue-green algae patterns and the evolving conditions in Alberta’s lakes. The project’s website emphasizes the importance of monitoring harmful algal blooms for various stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, residents, and recreational users, to mitigate negative impacts on recreation, tourism, and Indigenous communities.