A calm start for the blue-green algae season

Link to the map

Map of the national blue-green algae monitoring observations on week 25 

The blue-green algae situation in inland waters is calm, as typical in early summer. Abundant blue-green algae have been observed at two inland water observation sites of the national blue-green algae monitoring. Some blue-green algae have been observed at 15 inland water observation sites. During the past week, blue-green algae observations have mostly been made in Southern Finland, but also in Central Finland and a single observation in southern Lapland. National blue-green algae monitoring has 246 active inland water observation sites. 

In coastal areas, blue-green algae observations are slightly fewer than is typical in early summer. No abundant algae have been observed at the coastal observation sites of the national blue-green algae monitoring, during the past week. Some blue-green algae have been observed at two coastal observation sites. National blue-green algae monitoring has 69 active marine area observation sites. 

In offshore areas, the situation is normal for the time period. This week, unstable weather has prevented comprehensive satellite observations in the northern Baltic Sea. Small amounts of blue-green algae mixed with water have been observed in the Gulf of Finland. No blue-green algae have been observed in the Bothnian Sea, the Archipelago Sea and the Åland Sea. 

At this time of summer, pollen from coniferous trees may also occur in the water, and it may resemble blue-green algae.

In addition to official monitoring, valuable information on the blue-green algae situation is also gathered from the public. A total of 38 observations made by citizens were obtained through the Lake-seawiki and Vesi.fi, this week. 

Syke observes the cyanobacteria occurrence as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment in Finland 

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. 

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. 

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 Utö 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. 

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.

Several compounds produced by cyanobacteria can cause health hazards 

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. 

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. 

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. 

The municipal health authorities monitor the cyanobacterial situation on beaches. 

More information about blue-green algae and health:

• At the the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) website  
• At the Poison Information Center website 

This is how you identify cyanobacteria 

A small amount of cyanobacteria in the water appears as green or yellowish particles. Narrow stripes of algae can drift to a beach. In calm weather, a substantial amount of cyanobacteria forms greenish or yellowish algal rafts and piles up in coastal water. In spring, yellowish pollen from coniferous trees may also be present in the water. Unlike cyanobacteria, pollen is found not only on the surface water but also, for example, on piers or yard furniture. 

Cyanobacteria dissolve into tiny particles in the water if you touch the algal mass with a stick. If the algae become attached to the stick, they are something other than cyanobacteria. In a water vessel, cyanobacteria rise to the surface as tiny greenish particles within about an hour. 

• Read more: How do you recognize blue-green algae? 

Report your cyanobacterial observations to the Järvi-meriwiki (Lake and sea wiki) 

In Järvi-meriwiki,  maintained by the Finnish Environment Institute, you can establish your own observation site and share cyanobacterial observations or make individual observations when moving around waterways. You can also report observations via the smartphone-friendly Havaintolähetti website. 

The reported observations are shown on the national cyanobacterial observation map, and they support the national algal situation assessment. Observations about the absence of cyanobacteria are also important. 

Järvi-meriwiki is an online service produced in collaboration with authorities and citizens. The service provides basic information on all lakes larger than one hectare as well as different areas of the Baltic Sea. Users can share, for example, photos and other observations on the service. 

Municipalities and cities monitor the cyanobacterial situation on the beaches, so it is advisable to report rich cyanobacterial occurrences on beaches to the health authorities of the municipality in question. 

Cyanobacterial observations also in the MarineFinland.fi and Waterinfo.fi services 

The cyanobacterial maps presented on the websites MarineFinland.fi  and Waterinfo.fi   combine the observations reported to the Järvi-meriwiki and from the beaches of the City of Helsinki, as well as the observations based on satellite interpretations made by Syke during the last three days. 

• Waterinfo.fi algae observations  
• Marinefinland.fi algae observations