Algae found in Clickimin Loch
The SIC have said that blue-green algae has been found in the Clickimin Loch in Lerwick.
Sepa have confirmed to the environmental health department the presence of algae in the loch, and the council have warned the public that “contact with the algae should be avoided”.
Signs have been set up around the loch to warn locals about the algae and the SIC say that “adjoining landowners and local land users have been advised of the situation, as have NHS Shetland, Shetland Recreational Trust, the Anderson High School and Shetland Anglers Association”.
The council have advised that this action is “precautionary”.
They say that “blue-green algae may give rise to adverse medical effects – but not always”.
Mr ian Tinkler
Clings Water and Loch Setter (Clousta) have Algal blooms, subsurface at present so dog safe. However surface blooms almost inevitable (dog lethal) if more still hot days continue. The greatest danger occurs when the algal film is concentrated by wind and blown onshore as a scum. Dogs only have to walk through that shore blown algal scum and lick their paws to receive a fatal dose. They need not enter the water to be poisoned and receive a fatal dose. A walk along the edge is as dangerous as a swim for dogs. Be extremely cautious, I have lost a dog, at Flatwon Clousta. Clousta residents have lost three more, Clings Water, Setter and Loch of Clousta over the last few years. Sea Water is safe, acid peaty still water can be lethal, just the shoreline..