Cyanobacteria. Photo courtesy of ACAP.
The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) is working to develop our knowledge of the bacteria that produces what is commonly known as blue-green algae.
While the organism is commonly referred to as algae, it’s actually known to scientists as cyanobacteria which produces the toxin that has proved fatal to a number of dogs within the province over the past few years.
ACAP will collaborate with a number of regional research partners to study the bacteria, which they hope will help those living along the Saint John River.
“Being able to work with our seven other watershed partners and researchers to be able to undertake this project is really interesting and helps show how important it is to communities along the river,” said Roxanne MacKinnon, ACAP’s executive director.
MacKinnon says that they have heard from many residents that are concerned about the possibility of running into the deadly organism.
“(People) hear about dogs dying in Fredericton, and they want to know that their water is safe. Being able to actively engage in research to help people understand this issue is really important.”
ACAP is also undertaking regional educational efforts in order to help people recognize the bacteria before entering a body of water.
MacKinnon says in addition to the green, brown, or blue-green slime that appears as a surface bloom, residents also need to be aware of the possibility of benthic mats.
“That’s what’s growing on the bottom of rivers and streams,” MacKinnon said. “They are kind of clumps of vegetation that are green, greeny-brown, that are basically a film growing across the bottom of a river or stream.”
