NW Mail: Environment Agency confirms blue green algae in Windermere
“THE Environment Agency has confirmed there is a blue green algal bloom, which can cause sickness, in Windermere.
On June 18, the agency said there had been a bloom between Low Wray Bay and High Wray Bay.
Blue green algae is also known as Cyanobacteria. They are potentially toxic to human and animal health.
Dr Lynsey Harper, of the Freshwater Biological Association, said: "Not all species of cyanobacteria produce toxins and a given species may not produce toxins all of the time. However, it is not possible to say whether a cyanobacterial bloom on Windermere is producing toxins without detailed laboratory analysis."
Algal blooms do happen naturally however the frequency of them has led campaign groups such as Save Windermere to argue that they have been fed by excessive phosphorus input caused by sewage discharges.”
