A cyanobacterium has invaded the beaches of the Canaries, and causes irritation. Swimming is not recommended, but not prohibited.
Breton beaches are not the only ones to be invaded by unwanted algae. Holidaymakers who have visited the Canaries are in fact annoyed by a micro-algae which can cause irritation. The authorities warn tourists of its presence, without closing the beaches.
“When microalgae are detected in a swimming area, swimmers are advised to avoid their contact. But this does not lead to, nor has it led to the closure of the beach, ”said Jose Juan Aleman, director of public health for the archipelago.
Bacterial attack
The orange flags are nevertheless out, and the rescuers of certain portions of the beach bring the bathers out of the water. “A significant amount of microalgae was detected this morning on the beach and we decided to hoist the red flag”, explained a rescuer from the Red Cross to theAFP.
The micro-algae is actually a bacterium, and more precisely a cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium erythraeum. It produces a toxin which is not really dangerous, but which can cause skin irritation. It is therefore preferable to avoid its contact, whether in water or on the sand, advise the local health authorities.
African heat and dust
Why are algae attacking now? “Since the end of June, we have been witnessing episodes of massive blooming of micro-algae, sometimes reaching the bathing waters on the beaches”, according to Mr. Aleman. The fault, once again, with the hot weather. These algae are generally observed in particularly warm, even tropical waters.
But the weather in recent months has favored their development. A concentration that is easy to spot: they give the water a brown-green or brown-red color. Dust from the Sahara would also have favored their development. They indeed contain nutrients, and in particular iron, which stimulate the growth of cyanobacteria.
While distressing for vacationers, the phenomenon is natural and temporary. When temperatures drop, microalgae will quickly disappear from beaches.
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