Increase In Blue-Green Algae on Waterways Expected In Coming Years

If you are going to be vacationing near a body of water in the province, it is important you keep an eye out for blue green algae.

Assistant Biology Professor at Mount Allison University Justin Liefer says it is not uncommon to see it, “Blue-green algae are a natural part of the microbes that live in our waters in New Brunswick. They are always going to be there. The issue is, now with more nutrients going into our water from run off and other forms of pollution, as well as the temperatures getting warmer, they seem to be getting more frequent.”

Liefer adds, you can’t tell if it is toxic by just looking at it.

“We usually need to use tools like genetics or chemistry or microscopes and people who are experts in identifying these things, to really know if it is there. But generally if you see something that is stagnant, really green water, avoid it. If you’re concerned, report it.”

He says the amount of blue-green algae is expected to become even more concerning, “The organisms that we are talking about here,  they like warm temperatures. Once temperatures get upwards of 25 degrees, up to 30 or so, they like it much more than all of the things that would compete with them. We are also seeing much more overtime, and we are expecting it to get worse.”

For more information on blue-green algae and the precautions you should take near waterways, visit the government of New Brunswick website.