Finnish coastal waters face high risk of toxic blue-green algae blooms

Finnish sea areas are at high risk of widespread blue-green algae blooms this summer, the Finnish Environment Institute warned in a statement Thursday.

Large surface accumulations are likely to form in the Gulf of Finland, with elevated risks also in the northern Baltic Proper south of the Archipelago Sea and the central Bothnian Sea. The risk remains low in the Bay of Bothnia.

Algae typically begin appearing after Midsummer, with blooms possible through August and potentially into late autumn. Dense concentrations may produce toxins and skin or eye irritants, authorities cautioned.