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Blue-Green Algae - Frequently Asked Questions
A eutrophic waterbody has naturally or artificially elevated nutrient levels, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Elevated levels of phosphorus can lead to a proliferation, or ‘bloom’ of blue-green algae in a waterbody. Such algae blooms can create ecosystem dynamics in which the oxygen concentration in the lake is too low to sustain fish and other aquatic organisms.
Blue-green algae blooms are commonly seen in urban lakes on Vancouver Island and across the globe. In the case of Quamichan Lake, human activity since the turn of the last century has elevated nutrient levels in Quamichan Lake such that it is now hyper eutrophic. The earliest reports of Blue-green algae blooms in Quamichan Lake date back to the 1930s.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae, or ‘cyanobacteria’ are photosynthetic bacteria. They use energy from the sun to make their own food. Like other photosynthetic organisms, they also produce oxygen. Unfortunately, this oxygen production is more than offset by the digestion of dead blue-green algae by other bacteria living in the lake. The oxygen consumed by these other bacteria usually removes all the oxygen from water deeper than 3 meters during most summers. Blue-green algae blooms cover the entire lake surfaces and in some cases produce toxins. Of particular concern in Quamichan lake is the microcystin, a toxin that is harmful to people, pets, fish, and other wildlife.
Why is blue-green algae growing in Quamichan Lake?
Blue-green algae is a bacteria that has the capacity to grow quickly and outcompete other aquatic algae and plants for sunlight and nutrients. The high concentrations of phosphorus in Quamichan Lake provides an ideal nutrient balance for blue-green algae. The phosphorus fueling blue-green algae blooms in Quamichan Lake is present in the nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom of the lake and in the run-off that enters the lake.
Are there methods for controlling blue-green algae growth?
There are many different methods that can be used to reduce nutrient concentrations, and increase dissolved oxygen in the water. All of these methods come with varying degrees of involvement and cost. Because of this, it is necessary to collect baseline data to ensure that the remediation actions are appropriate for a given waterbody. Currently, North Cowichan has worked with a local consultant and BCIT's Ecological Restoration Program to determine the best combination of remediation options to improve lake health and ultimately eliminate the presence of blue-green algae. This baseline survey work is being used to develop a research, monitoring and management plan to mitigate persistent blue-green algae blooms.
Who is responsible for improving conditions in the Lake?
The bottom of Quamichan Lake is owned by a private landowner. Water resources in BC are currently under the mandate of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). As such, the Municipality has no jurisdiction on the lake. Despite this, the Municipality understands the importance of this lake to residents and First Nations. Residents use Quamichan Lake for various forms of recreation in addition to it being an important resource for local wildlife. Council has therefore directed staff to research options to improve the health of the Lake with the intent of attracting support from higher levels of government.
Is this a problem in other nearby lakes?
According to Island Health, blue-green algae is present in many urban lakes on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The abundance and species mix of blue-green algae in a lake can vary dramatically depending on the environmental conditions present in and around a lake. Prominent examples of blue-green algae outbreaks in our area are St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island and Elk Lake in Victoria.
Is North Cowichan testing the lake water for toxins and blue-green algae?
Yes, the Municipality is conducting such testing in the Lake. However, the presence or absence of toxins can vary at any given location or time so the testing methods available are not a reliable means of determining whether or the water is harmful at a particular location or time. Furthermore, weather, boat traffic, and other environmental factors can move algae and toxins around the lake unpredictably. For this reason the Municipality has been advised by Island Health to place permanent signage at access points around the Quamichan Lake in order to advise the public of the ongoing potential for exposure to toxins.
Is it safe to recreate on the lake?
Island Health is responsible for advising the public as to whether or not a particular waterbody is safe for use by the public. Those who are recreating on or around Quamichan Lake should be advised of Island Health’s advisories relating to cyanobacteria.
I Have Seen Several Dead Fish Floating In The Water, What Happened?
Fish Kills in our area are fairly common in shallow low elevation lakes and can usually be tied to either high temperature or low oxygen. Either of these two factors can lead to fish mortality and, because they often occur at the same time of the year, they can magnify each other’s negative effects. Neither of these pose an increased risk to human health when safely recreating on the lake. In most summers fish in the lake are confronted with zero oxygen (‘anoxia’) in the deeper lake water as a result of dying algae sinking and being digested by bacteria. Although the surface remains oxygenated, due to atmospheric mixing and oxygen production by plants and algae, the surface layer can become too hot for fish. In the case of trout, many will die once the temperature goes over 21ºC for a few days. Fish are thus killed by the temperature or low oxygen if they cannot find refuge in surrounding shaded backwaters, springs or creeks. The Municipality is currently monitoring temperature and oxygen changes in the lake with temperature and oxygen sensors. North Cowichan is also sampling for nutrient concentrations. Both programs will help our community to determine the best ways to improve lake water quality in the future.
Where can I report observations or information about Quamichan Lake?
You can report directly to the environmental department at North Cowichan by emailing: environment@northcowichan.ca
