The nuisances, origins, and uses of blue-green algae in the Baltic Sea

VINCENT TEETSOV

The presence of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is an annoying and hazardous disturbance when you want to go swimming. When enough algae accumulates, it’s considered a “bloom.”

You may recognize it in its most severe form as a slimy layer on the surface of lakes, rivers, ponds, or the open sea. This type of algae also develops a putrid smell when it breaks down at the end of its life cycle. If the sight of it doesn’t deter you from swimming, then its texture and smell definitely will.

Across Estonia in the summer of 2020, on the Baltic Sea and inland bodies of water like Peipsi järv (Lake Peipus), incidences of algal blooms brought swimming to a grinding halt. ERR reported that red flags had gone up at the beaches of Pirita, Stroomi, Kakumäe, and Haabneeme; declaring that swimming wasn’t allowed at that time due to the risks associated with swimming in contaminated water.

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Photo: European Space Agency Sentinel-3A Satellite Imagery