Factfile

Algae are simple plants that can range from the microscopic to large seaweeds.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are an ancient group of algae that can reproduce rapidly in lakes and ponds.

Blue-green algae blooms may look like thick pea soup, green paint or appear a different colour such as bluish, brownish or reddish green.

When a blue-green algae bloom washes up on shore, it can form a thick mat or a foam on the beach.

Algae are very diverse and found almost everywhere on the planet. They play an important role in many ecosystems, including providing the foundation for the aquatic food chains supporting all fisheries in the oceans and inland, as well as producing about 70% of all the oxygen we breathe.