Blue-green algae is a growing problem in the lakes of the eastern province of New Brunswick, according to Eastern Charlotte Waterways. This organization is dedicated to protecting lakes in the province. Researcher Donald Killorn says the algae blooms are a sign climate change is affecting ecology in eastern Canada.
The algae forms in water that is shallow, warm and slow-moving or still. It grows in the summer months and can contain cyanobacterial toxins which, if swallowed, can cause headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The toxins can also irritate the skin and eyes.
People are asked to ensure they are not overfertilizing their lawns and that septic tanks are functioning properly so that nutrient overflows don’t encourage the growth of the algae.
The province Quebec has also asked the public to co-operate to try to limit the growth of blue-green algae in its lakes.
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