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Toxic algae

News Leader - 6/14/2017

Have you ever wondered what that slimy, green stuff was in your neighborhood pond? Now may be the time to find out! Recently there have been reported cases of algae blooms in more than one body of water on the island. And the Florida Department of the Environment found at least one body that tested positive for blue/green algae (BGA) in our area. Why is this important? The public needs to know that contact with the toxins (cyanobacteria) produced by blue/ green algae can be fatal to humans, pets, and wildlife. Exposure to the toxins can cause fatal, acute liver failure and neurological damage.

As a result of the confirmed local presence of algae blooms and blue/green algae, the Nassau Sierra Club (through the St. Marys Riverkeeper) has invited Mr. Robert Storm, a former field science program supervisor for the State of Florida, to give a presentation on blue/ green algae (cyanobacteria). He will also answer any questions from the public about toxic algae blooms on Friday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Fernandina Public Library. Mr. Storm is uniquely suited for this discussion. For the last 10 years, he has focused on the ecology of cyanobacteria (blue/green algae) blooms in Northeast Florida, including working with NOAA on satellite tracking of aquatic blooms.

However, before anyone goes nuts over the possibility of having a "toxic" blue/green algae bloom in their backyard pond, it is important to note that there are many species of BGA. Not all species produce toxins. Until the type of algae in your lake, creek or pond is officially identified, stay away from it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is difficult to know if the algae is toxic just by looking at it.

In the meantime, there are some actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially harmful health effects of toxic blooms. If you, your family, or pets are near a fresh or brackish body of water with visible algae, here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Keep pets and children away from the suspect water.

2. Do not use the water for irrigation. Irrigation spreads the toxins through physical contact with the grass or through inhalation.

3. Notify your neighbors to keep them away from the algae; post signs if you are concerned.

4. Stop using fertilizers until a safe level of fertilization can be determined. (Let's face it, there aren't supposed to be enough nutrients in our lakes, creeks and ponds to have a "bloom.")

5. If any member of your family or your pets experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme lethargy, seizures or convulsions after contact with waters that contain algae, or blue/green algae toxins (cyanobacteria), immediately seek medical attention and alert the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 245-8159.

On Friday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fernandina Branch of the Nassau Public Library, Mr. Storm will be discussing the public's concerns with blue/ green algae blooms, new research on the serious health risks to its exposure, and how we can get rid of this dangerous health menace.

Watch the following video from the state of Wisconsin with your children to raise their awareness: www.youtube. com/watch?v=CGG50pfBEhI. And for your pet's sake, visit www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/blue-green-algae/. Be "Algae Aware"!

Faith Ross Fernandina Beach