{"id":33151,"date":"2025-08-08T13:42:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vesi.fi\/en\/?p=33151"},"modified":"2025-08-08T13:42:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:42:13","slug":"the-blue-green-algae-situation-has-remained-calm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vesi.fi\/en\/the-blue-green-algae-situation-has-remained-calm\/","title":{"rendered":"The blue-green algae situation has remained calm"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the past week, the blue-green algae situation has remained calm in inland waters, coastal areas, and open sea areas. Less blue-green algae has been observed in inland waters and coastal areas than is typical for late summer. The situation has also remained stable in open sea areas, with windy weather keeping the algae mixed into the water across all water areas.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Map of the national blue-green algae monitoring observations on week 32<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Sinilev\u00e4tilanne on jatkunut rauhallisena (STT Info)<\/a><\/p>\n

The weekly reports on the blue-green algae situation of the Finnish Environment Institute will end on 7 August, but the national monitoring of blue-green algae will continue until 30 September. Blue-green algae typically still occur in inland waters and sea areas well into the autumn. Going forward, the Finnish Environment Institute will provide information on the blue-green algae situation, if necessary, and a summary of the blue-green algae monitoring will be published, on 28 August 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\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