Cyanobacterial blooms worsen in Finland’s waters
Finland’s cyanobacterial situation has deteriorated in recent weeks, with higher concentrations of algae observed in both inland waters and coastal areas compared to earlier in the summer. The Licensing and Supervision Authority (Valvira) reports that the current conditions are worse than usual for this time of year.
The increase in cyanobacteria may have been influenced by limited sunshine and variable weather in July, which delayed but ultimately contributed to the growth of algae. Locally heavy rainfall has also likely increased nutrient leaching into water bodies, further fueling the blooms (Yle).
In inland waters, very abundant cyanobacteria were detected at Lake Rusutjärvi in Tuusula and Järvelä swimming beach in Salo. Additionally, abundant algae were observed at 12 sites, while some cyanobacteria were present at 31 locations. Out of 215 total observations this week, 46 contained cyanobacteria (Yle).
Along coastal areas, 19 out of 53 observations reported algae. Very abundant cyanobacteria were found in Paimionlahti in Kaarina, while abundant blooms were noted in Kuusistonsalmi (Kaarina) and Bengtsår in Hanko (Yle).
The Permit and Supervision Authority notes that the delayed but intensified growth of blue-green algae may be linked to July’s lower-than-average sunshine and fluctuating weather conditions (MTV Uutiset).