Press release 2021-06-24 at 15:27
Based on satellite observations, blue-green algae are mainly present in the upper water layer, not yet on the surface in larger areas. According to the latest observations (22 June 2021), algae may occur on the surface in some places in the Gulf of Finland. In the Baltic Proper, blue-green algae are already present on the surface, most likely east of Gotland. The occurrence of cyanobacteria on the surface is interpreted based on observations by the Sentinel-3 satellite of the Copernicus programme. Around the Baltic countries, high levels of atmospheric dust prevent the utilization of satellite observations in some areas. © Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel-3 data, Finnish Environment Institute (22 June 2021).
During the Midsummer week, more and more blue-green algae have been observed in both lake and sea areas. The hot weather in June has boosted the growth of blue-green algae, especially in Southern and Central Finland. Although the number of cyanobacterial observations has increased, the vast majority of these observations still concern small amounts of blue-green algae.
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SYKE observes the cyanobacteria occurrence as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment
The national cyanobacterial monitoring is based on the monitoring of cyanobacterial deposits in surface water, and the intention is to provide an overview of the cyanobacterial situation in different water bodies. Observations are carried out as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment in cooperation with the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, municipal environmental and health authorities and the Finnish Environment Institute. Finnish Rotary Clubs are also actively involved in nationwide cyanobacterial monitoring.
This summer, cyanobacterial monitoring includes about 400 permanent observation sites across the country on inland and coastal waters and in the archipelago. Information on the cyanobacterial situation in the open seas is mainly obtained from satellite images, but also from the Finnish Border Guard, the marine research vessel Aranda, the optical device located at the Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station as well as cruise and merchant ships (MS Finnmaid and MS Silja Serenade) equipped with Alg@line measuring equipment. The drift forecasts for cyanobacterial rafts in open sea areas are prepared in cooperation with the Finnish Meteorological Institute's Maritime Services.
The Finnish Environment Institute usually reports on the national cyanobacterial situation on a weekly basis every Thursday from the beginning of June until the end of August. The weekly algal reporting on the national cyanobacterial monitoring was launched in 1998.
Several compounds produced by cyanobacteria can cause health hazards
According to the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), water rich in cyanobacteria should always be treated in such a way that it may be harmful to health. Cyanobacteria produce a number of different compounds that can cause symptoms. Some cyanobacteria can produce liver or nerve toxins, but most of the symptoms experienced by swimmers may also be due to other compounds.
Especially small children and pets should be kept out of water rich with cyanobacteria. Water with cyanobacteria should not be used in the sauna or as washing or irrigation water. If poisoning is suspected, seek medical advice or take your pet to a veterinarian. If necessary, the Poison Information Centre will provide additional instructions.
The municipal health authorities monitor the cyanobacterial situation on the beaches.
Report your cyanobacterial observations to the Järvi-meriwiki (Lake and sea wiki)
In the Järvi-meriwiki maintained by the Finnish Environment Institute, everyone has the opportunity to establish their own observation site and share cyanobacterial observations from lakes and coastal areas. Individual observations can also be sent, for example, from beachs or during boat trips. The observations can be submitted via the Havaintolähetti website and they displayed on the national cyanobacterial situation map supporting the national assessments of the cyanobacterial situation. Observations about the absence of cyanobacteria are also important.
Municipalities and cities monitor the cyanobacterial situation on the beaches, so it is advisable to report rich cyanobacterial occurences on beaches also to the health authorities of the municipality in question.
Cyanobacterial observations also in the Itämeri.fi and vesi.fi services
Last summer, for the first time, websites on the cyanobacterial observations on the Itämeri.fi service and the Vesi.fi service were also launched. The cyanobacterial map presented on this algal bloom observations page combines the observations reported to the Järvi-meriwiki and from the beaches of the City of Helsinki as well as the observations based on satellite interpretations of the Finnish Environment Institute during the last three days.
This is how you identify cyanobacteria
A small amount of cyanobacteria in the water appears as green or yellowish particles. Narrow stripes of algae can drift to a beach. In calm weather, a substantial amount of cyanobacteria forms greenish or yellowish algal rafts and piles up in coastal water. Unlike cyanobacteria, pollen is found not only on the surface water but also, for example, on piers or yard furniture.
If the algae dissolve into tiny particles in the water when you touch it with a stick, it may be cyanobacteria. If the algae attache to the stick, it is something other than cyanobacteria. In a glass of water, cyanobacteria rise to the surface as tiny greenish particles within about an hour.
Algae bloom risk analysis
Information about algae situation
More information
(Telephone 1.00 - 3.00 pm)
Lakes
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University Intern Jere Laine, Suomen ympäristökeskus SYKE, Tel. +358 295 252 193, firstname.lastname@syke.fi
Sea areas
Cyanobacterial bloom situation
- Special Researcher Sanna Suikkanen, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (until 24 June)
Coastal cyanobacterial observations compiled by
- University Intern Lilja Nikula, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251 209, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (from 28 June)
Offshore cyanobacterial observations
- eotuki@syke.fi
- Special Researcher Jenni Attila, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251 078
State of the Baltic Sea
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Special Researcher Jouni Lehtoranta, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251 363, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (until 24 June)
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Special Researcher Mika Raateoja, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251 536, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (from 28 June)
Communications
- Communications Intern Sofia Patama, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 252 245, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (until 24 June)
- Communications Intern Venla Valtanen, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Tel. +358 295 251 194, firstname.lastname@syke.fi (from 28 June)