Bloomin Algae

Helping reduce risks to public and animal health

Background

Bloomin’ Algae is a citizen science app that encourages the public and water-related businesses to report the presence of harmful blooms of blue-green algae in freshwaters. The app helps speed up public health warnings and teach you how to recognise the risks to you and your pets.

Why is it relevant?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria (also known as cyanobacteria) that occur naturally in freshwaters and can produce potent toxins, which can be very harmful to people and animals. They cause skin rashes on swimmers and are responsible for the deaths of dogs, cattle, fish and birds. They are particularly a health risk during warm summer months, when their numbers can increase to form dense blooms and scum on the surface of the water. With climate change we are seeing more and more severe blooms in our freshwaters.

How can I help?

• Download the app from Google Play or on the App Store
• Submit a record with a photo of any suspicious looking algal bloom and location details
• An expert will review your photo(s) and provide rapid feedback to you.
• Your record rapidly notifies the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and local authorities, so they can provide early warning on health risks to others in your area.
• Your records also help improve the scientific understanding of how the frequency and size of blooms are being impacted by climate change.

The app, which has been created by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland, enables users to submit a photo of the bloom and state what activity takes place at the location, so that the potential risks to people and animals can be gauged.

All verified records can easily be viewed on the Bloomin' Algae interactive map

See the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology for more information on the app and how to get involved.