Warning to anglers over algae detected in loch
Anglers at Loch Leven have been advised not to eat more than two fish caught from its waters a week amid fears about algal blooms forming on its surface.
PKC said yesterday it was working with environmental regulators to establish what is causing the green coloured growths after it had to warn fishers to restrict what they keep “for the pot”.
It said it couldn’t tell exactly what the health risks might be but a local fishery source told the PA anglers familiar with the phenomena would not be overly concerned.
He insisted: “These are just sensible precautions. There is a very visible algae bloom this year but it’s not unusual. I know people who eat fish out of the loch every week [and] I eat fish out of it every week and there’s nothing wrong with me.”
Notices placed around the loch, renowned for its unique strain of brown trout, read: “Members of the public and their animals should stay out of the water. Fish caught here should not be consumed if there are dead fish in the water or fish behaving abnormally.
“The health risks from consuming fish from these waters at this time is unknown. You are advised that if you wish to eat the fish then the organs should be removed and the flesh washed thoroughly.
“It is recommended that individuals consume no more than two fish per week from affected waters.”
It comes after one councillor questioned whether this year’s perceived prevalence of algal blooms on the loch might be linked to the increased rate of new housebuilding in the surrounding area.
Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson told the PA policies were introduced 20 years ago aimed at improving the water quality at Loch Leven but now appear to be failing.
He said: “We have had large amounts of rain this summer which should ‘flush’ the loch out and reduce the nutrient levels.
“However, in spite of this we have had serious algal blooms this summer, which makes me and many local people suspect that the safeguards which were put in place are not working.
“We should not be giving planning consent for more large housing developments until it can be proved that more and more housebuilding is not causing even more damage to Kinrossshire’s greatest asset.”
A PKC spokesperson commented: “Following routine water sampling carried out by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology based at Edinburgh University, SEPA made PKC aware of a report of an algae bloom at Loch Leven, and in response to this, standard signage was put in place by PKC regulatory services.
“Local authorities with recreational bodies of water in the Tayside area follow the Blue-Green Algae Monitoring and Action Plan for Tayside NHS Board Area. The content of the signs is taken from this action plan which draws on current
Scottish Government guidance for the safe-practice in managing recreational waters.
“Blue-green algae have the potential to cause short and long-term adverse health problems, however NHS Tayside should be contacted directly for advice on the human health aspects of blue-green algae.”