A Fredericton area MLA is calling on the province to better inform the public about the locations of toxic blue-green algae blooms in provincial waterways.
Fredericton-York member Rick DeSaulniers says people need to know what areas are affected during these hot summer days.
DeSaulniers pointed to areas which were of a concern last year, saying blue-green algae blooms have been spotted again in the same areas along the Saint John River this year as well.
“We know that from news reports, that they found it up near Woodstock and that they’ve also found it in the Saint John River a little bit down to Carleton Park, which is a fairly big stretch of water.”
He hopes the Department of Health can give a better idea of the locations where the blooms are being found this summer, despite the province tweeting warnings about the dangers of blue-green algae since Tuesday.
“So that people know where the algae is and where it isn’t. We’re concerned that the public aren’t getting the true picture of what’s going on, they don’t know where to go and be safe,” said DeSaulniers.
A dog recently died after being in the Saint John River in Fredericton, and although autopsy results were not known as of early Thursday, blue-green algae related toxins were suspected to be the cause.
According to the Department of Health website, some algae blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to pets and humans and public health advisories may be issued. It adds, while blue-green algae is naturally found in many types of water systems including lakes, rivers and wetlands, under the right conditions, they can increase in numbers quickly.
