Algae blooming in Avacha Bay in Kamchatka are being tested for toxicity
Photo by the government of the Kamchatka Territory.
Scientists are investigating the toxicity of algae blooming in the Avacha Bay. So far, their danger has not been confirmed, Kamchatka.Today reports with reference to the regional government.
In recent days, scientists have recorded an increase in the number of microalgae in the waters of the Avacha Bay – from Mokhovaya Bay to the Zavoiko Peninsula.
“Harmful algal blooms are a common occurrence in coastal Kamchatka waters. In April, we observed this process, which indicates the massive development of unicellular algae of various species. At the same time, not all of them emit toxins,” said Sergey Korostelev, director of the Kamchatka branch of the Pacific Institute of Geography of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
According to him, the development of species that do not always release toxins is now being recorded. Scientists continue monitoring, collecting algae in the coastal areas of the Avacha Bay. This will allow you to understand whether they are toxic or not.
Nevertheless, residents and visitors of the region are urged to refrain from swimming in the waters from Mokhovaya Bay to the Zavoiko Peninsula, and also not to eat seafood until the end of July, while the possibility of poisoning remains.
Earlier, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the region sent SMS messages warning of the threat of poisoning by toxins released by algae in the waters of Avacha Bay.