A new, free tool designed to track harmful algal blooms (HAB) in Alberta lakes has been successfully launched.
The website, algalbloomtracker.ca, utilizes satellite imagery for “near real-time monitoring” of algal blooms at six selected lakes: Ethel Lake, Lac La Biche, Sylvan Lake, Nakamun Lake, Pigeon Lake, and Wabamun Lake. These lakes were chosen for their varied characteristics.
Bradley Peter from the Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS) explained, “We wanted our project to cover the entire spectrum of lake types in Alberta.” He also shared that there are plans to extend this monitoring approach to additional lakes in the province.
Harmful algal blooms can pose health risks to people, livestock, and pets, and they may negatively impact the economy, tourism, and recreational activities.
This new monitoring tool is the outcome of a three-year collaboration among 12 Alberta organizations, including ALMS, the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, and the University of Alberta.
The initiative aims to enhance environmental reporting, public awareness, and informed decision-making. Additionally, the website features historical data dating back nearly a decade, to 2017. This information can help identify patterns and provide long-term insights into the effects of climate change on bloom conditions.
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