Post by Hoppy on Jun 8, 2007 20:54:18 GMT -1
Environment Agency Wales is asking people not to be alarmed if they see large slicks of algae that look like sewage in coastal waters and estuaries around Wales. This follows recent reports to us about odours and water quality issues along the North Wales coast and around Anglesey.
The slicks are most likely to be seasonal algae blooms. The yellow-brown coloured slicks are the most common type of marine algae, Phaeocystis, which is often described as having a chocolate mousse appearance.
The algae usually starts to form in the summer, around June or July, and it is currently visible around some parts of our coastline.
Phaeocystis forms unsightly creamy brown foam in the water which turns darker brown and lumpy as it decays. This looks similar to raw sewage. As the algae breaks down it smells strongly of rotten eggs or rotting vegetables, causing further confusion. However, despite its smell and appearance, the algae is not toxic.
'Every year we get reports of sewage slicks on inshore coastal waters and we treat each one seriously and carry out tests. But almost always, despite its unpleasant appearance, it turns out to be marine algae' said Louise Garlick, Environment Officer for the Agency's Anglesey and Conwy Area.
There are some species of algae that pose a health risk to marine life and to humans. These are less common and in some cases cause discolouration of the water, known as Red Tides.
If you see one of these less common blooms or have concerns that what you see is not algae please contact our free 24 hour hotline 0800 80 70 60.
The slicks are most likely to be seasonal algae blooms. The yellow-brown coloured slicks are the most common type of marine algae, Phaeocystis, which is often described as having a chocolate mousse appearance.
The algae usually starts to form in the summer, around June or July, and it is currently visible around some parts of our coastline.
Phaeocystis forms unsightly creamy brown foam in the water which turns darker brown and lumpy as it decays. This looks similar to raw sewage. As the algae breaks down it smells strongly of rotten eggs or rotting vegetables, causing further confusion. However, despite its smell and appearance, the algae is not toxic.
'Every year we get reports of sewage slicks on inshore coastal waters and we treat each one seriously and carry out tests. But almost always, despite its unpleasant appearance, it turns out to be marine algae' said Louise Garlick, Environment Officer for the Agency's Anglesey and Conwy Area.
There are some species of algae that pose a health risk to marine life and to humans. These are less common and in some cases cause discolouration of the water, known as Red Tides.
If you see one of these less common blooms or have concerns that what you see is not algae please contact our free 24 hour hotline 0800 80 70 60.