6-Jul-2006 - Environment Agency
Wales is asking people not to be alarmed if they
see large slicks of algae that looks like sewage
in coastal waters and estuaries around Pembrokeshire.
The slicks are more than likely
to be seasonal algal blooms. The yellow-brown
coloured slicks are the most common type of marine
algae, Phaeocystis, which is often described as
having a chocolate mousse appearance.
The algae usually starts to
form later in the summer, around June or July
and there have been recent blooms reported on
beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Phaeocystis forms unsightly
creamy brown foam in the water which turns darker
brown and lumpy as it decays. This looks very
similar to raw sewage. As the algae breaks down
it smells strongly of rotten eggs or vegetables,
causing further confusion. However, despite its
alarming smell and appearance, the algae is not
toxic.
"Every year we get reports
of sewage slicks on inshore coastal waters and
of course we treat each one seriously and carry
out tests. But almost always, despite its unpleasant
appearance, it turns out to be a marine algae,"
said Rod Thomas, Team Leader for the Area Environment
Management team.
"There are some species
of algae that can pose a health risk to marine
life as well as humans. These are less common
and in some cases cause discolouration of the
water known as Red Tides.
"If you see one of
these less common blooms or have concerns that
what you see is not algae please contact our free
24 hour hotline 0800 80 70 60."
Indeg Jones
