{"id":32997,"date":"2025-07-10T13:41:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T10:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vesi.fi\/en\/?p=32997"},"modified":"2025-07-10T13:41:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T10:41:26","slug":"mid-summer-blue-green-algae-situation-remains-moderate-in-most-parts-of-the-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vesi.fi\/en\/mid-summer-blue-green-algae-situation-remains-moderate-in-most-parts-of-the-country\/","title":{"rendered":"Mid-summer blue-green algae situation remains moderate in most parts of the country"},"content":{"rendered":"

Observations of blue-green algae in inland waters have slightly decreased since last week. In coastal areas, the situation has remained stable, and less blue-green algae have been observed than is typical for midsummer. However, in open sea areas, blue-green algae have been observed slightly more than last week, based on satellite images.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Map of the national blue-green algae monitoring observations on week 28<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more in Finnish:<\/p>\n

Keskikes\u00e4n sinilev\u00e4tilanne pysynyt maltillisena suurimmassa osassa maata (STT Info)<\/a><\/p>\n

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The images of phytoplankton species are from March 2022 and were taken with an imaging flow cytometer, which is used to analyze the species composition and abundance of phytoplankton populations. The imaging device is one of two phytoplankton-imaging instruments located at the Ut\u00f6 Marine Research Station. The image shows the diatom Melosira arctica (top), and the dinoflagellates Levanderina fissa (bottom left) and Peridiniella catenata (bottom right). Lumi Haraguchi \/ Syke<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Syke observes the cyanobacteria occurrence as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment in Finland<\/h2>\n

The national cyanobacterial monitoring is carried out as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment in cooperation with the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, municipal environmental and health authorities, and the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke). Finnish Rotary Clubs are also actively involved in nationwide cyanobacterial monitoring.<\/p>\n

The cyanobacterial monitoring is based on the monitoring of cyanobacterial deposits in surface water. The intention is to provide an overview of the cyanobacterial situation in different water bodies. The monitoring includes about 400 permanent observation sites across the country on inland and coastal waters and in the archipelago.<\/p>\n

Information on the cyanobacterial situation in the open sea areas is mainly obtained from satellite images, but also from the Finnish Border Guard, the marine research vessel Aranda, the optical device located at the Ut\u00f6 Atmospheric and Marine Research Station, as well as cruise and merchant ships (MS Finnmaid and MS Silja Serenade) equipped with Alg@line measuring equipment. The drift forecasts for cyanobacterial rafts in open sea areas are prepared in cooperation with the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s Maritime Services.<\/p>\n

Syke reports on the national cyanobacterial situation on a weekly basis every Thursday from 19 June to 7 August 2024. The weekly algal reporting was launched in 1998.<\/p>\n

Several compounds produced by cyanobacteria can cause health hazards<\/h2>\n

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), cyanobacterial occurrences can cause health hazards. Cyanobacteria produce a number of different compounds that can cause symptoms. Some cyanobacteria can produce liver or nerve toxins, but most of the symptoms experienced by swimmers may also be due to other compounds.<\/p>\n

Small children and pets should particularly be kept out of water rich with cyanobacteria. Water with cyanobacteria should not be used in a sauna or as washing or irrigation water.<\/p>\n

If you suspect a poisoning, seek medical advice, or take the pet to a veterinarian. If necessary, the Poison Information Centre will provide additional instructions.<\/p>\n

The municipal health authorities monitor the cyanobacterial situation on beaches.<\/p>\n

More information about blue-green algae and health:<\/strong><\/p>\n