Toxic blue-green algae bloom spotted by satellite off Skye
A MASSIVE toxic blue green algae bloom has been spotted by satellite off Skye.
The “considerable” bloom has been notified to The Highland Council.
“Satellite imagery provided by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) shows the vast extent of the bloom in The Minch which is spreading along the coastline of the Isle of Skye with potential for the bloom to impact across multiple locations,” said the council.
“Contact with bluegreen algae and the toxins it may produce can have health effects for humans and animals. As a precautionary measure contact with any algal scum should be avoided by people and pets.”
Highland Council’s Environmental Health team has also identified raised levels of naturallyoccurring bivalve shellfish biotoxins following routine monitoring at Loch Eishort on Skye.
Eating bivalve shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a health risk, said the council.
“As a sensible precaution, people should avoid eating bivalve shellfish from this area until further notice. It is important to note that cooking does not remove risks from consumption. Commercial shellfish harvesters in the area have been contacted by the council,” added the authority.
Blue-green algae is noticed when their concentrations increase to form “blooms” and when they form scums, looking like blue-green paint, or when they collect on the shore line.
Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever, and pains in muscles and joints.
Toxic algae have caused deaths of livestock and dogs, waterbirds and fish.