Rising blue-green algae levels pose increasing risk to swimmers in Finland’s southern coast
Swimming off Finland’s southern coast is becoming increasingly risky due to the proliferation of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Satellite images released by the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) reveal large algae blooms off the coast of Loviisa and Kotka. The algae are especially prevalent between Porvoo and Kotka in the inner and outer archipelago, as well as in other parts of the Gulf of Finland’s coast in the Uusimaa and Varsinais-Suomi regions.
In the open seas of the Gulf of Finland, several scattered blue-green algae outbreaks have been recorded. The archipelago sea also shows the presence of algae in the Gullkrona sel and the archipelago between Rymättylä and Houtskari. In the southern open sea area of the Bothnian Sea, the blue-green algae are still developing.
The number of blue-green algae sightings in inland waters has slightly increased nationwide since last week, with sightings reported all the way to Lapland. However, Syke states that the amount is typical for this time of year.
In Varsinais-Suomi, an extremely large amount of blue-green algae has been observed from Littoistenjärvi and Hoviranta beach in Kaarina. A significant amount of blue-green algae has been observed at nine observation sites across Finland.
Blue-green algae can pose health risks. They produce several different compounds that can cause symptoms. Some blue-green algae can produce liver or nerve toxins, but a large part of the symptoms caused to swimmers may also be due to other compounds. Small children and pets should be kept away from water infested with blue-green algae.
Furthermore, water populated by blue-green algae should not be used for sauna, washing, or watering. Syke emphasizes that in case of suspected poisoning, one should seek medical attention and take pets to a vet.
The Finnish Environment Institute publishes the current blue-green algae situation every Thursday during the summer months until August 8.