Algal Bloom - Uig
22 June 2023 at 11:40:58
Environmental Health has been advised by SEPA that there is an algal bloom on Loch Mheacleit, Aird Uig, Uig
Blue-green algae occur naturally and, especially during warm
weather, can multiply sufficiently rapidly to discolour the water
so that it appears green, blue-green or greenish-brown. During calm
weather, many of these algae can further aggregate by rising to the
surface to form a scum which may look like blue-green paint or
jelly (but it may equally be black, brown, grey-white, blue or even
red on occasions). With changes in the direction and strength of
the wind, the scum can be blown around the surface of the water and
may thus appear at different places at different times. It may
disappear and reappear quickly and accumulate on the
shoreline.
These algae may produce toxins, but, because of the fluctuations
in concentration and in toxicity at a single site, it is not
practicable to assess toxicity on a routine basis. Assessment of
risks to human and animal health should take account of the
following statements from the Department of Health and the Chief
Veterinary Officer; both statements are endorsed by The Scottish
Government. The statements differ because animals, in contrast to
people, may eat or swallow large quantities of algal scum.
Human Health
'Illnesses including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints have occurred in some recreational users of water who swallowed or swam through algal scum. There have been no reports of long-term effects or deaths in humans, but in some cases the illnesses were severe. Although Algae is Not Always Harmful, it is A Sensible Precaution To Avoid Contact With The Scum And Water Close To It."
Animal Health
'The toxins, which may be produced by the algae, are also
poisonous to animals and can cause severe illness and death.
Crofters and Pet-Owners Should Ensure That their Animals Do Not
Have Access to Affected Water.
Further Information is available from the Comhairle's Algal
bloom web page
If you suspect a BGA Bloom, it can be reported using the "bloomin' algae
" app
