Blue-green Algae Spotted At Feet & Upton Dykes

[ranworthbreeze]

Dear all,

We have recently received reports that Blue-green algae has been spotted at Fleet Dyke and Upton Dyke.

It is likely that due to the recent weather conditions, there are currently unreported algal blooms present throughout the Broads and there will be future blooms over the coming weeks. Areas of still or slow-moving water are of particular risk.

Exposure to Blue-green algae can be highly toxic (and often fatal) to dogs and can cause significant irritation and illness to humans.

We are therefore issuing the following advice:

Please do not enter the water if you suspect Blue-green algae is present and do not let pets or children enter the water either.

Do not let pets drink from the water.

Please exercise caution at the locations named above and be generally aware of the presence of Blue-green algae in the Broads.

Finally, if you are unsure of whether the algae present is toxic or not please don’t take any chances.

Blue-green algae can be identified by its resemblance to ‘pea soup’, often appearing as green clumps or as a marbled blue/green coloured scum on the surface of the water. An image is attached that shows an example.

If you suspect you have spotted Blue-green algae please report it to the Environment Agency’s hotline on 0800 807060, let Broads Control know on 01603 756056 and remember to phone 999 if you require medical attention.

Kind regards,

Tom

Tom Waterfall

Communications Officer (Digital & PR)

01603 756034

[ChrisB]

On The Broads there is often streeks of torquoise mixed with the green. 

[jeffbroadslover]

Is it recommended that you should avoid fishing in these areas and to wash hands thoroughly if you have touched anything which has been in the affected areas of water i.e. mooring lines etc.?

Jeff

[ChrisB]

Or your shoes! I ruined a very nice pair of deck shoes that were nearly new and a premier brand. The stuff got on them from the mudweight rope on Barton.

[Regulo]

If your paintwork is not up to scratch, don't wash your boat with water contaminated with this stuff. It can get under the surface and the only recourse is to sand it right back and re-paint. I know, I've been there.

[Malanka]

Moored in South Walsham out of the breeze on RHS just inside the broad. The water by the trees is inundated with bg algae. Yuchhhhh swathes of it just below the surface , quite horrendous. Moving off to Salhouse shortly. 

Oh and please be aware there is a crippled goose ( broken wing) in Ranworth, she is hanging out with the ducks as the geese have pushed her out...the ducks don’t care it seems... 

 

M