Sint-Niklaas (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): De Ster in East Flanders has seen increased blue-green algae since spring 2024, prompting closures. PCM will study the issue, with results due by February 2025.
Since spring 2024, De Ster, a popular place for recreation, has had a lot of blue-green algae showing up. This is important because the algae are appearing more often and earlier in the year than in past years. Because of this increase, the swimming area has been closed several times, which means people can’t swim even on warm days when they really want to cool off.
What strategies are being implemented to combat blue-green algae in Sint-Niklaas?
It has been said that blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can make toxins that can be harmful to swimmers and others using the water. This is why swimming areas usually close when there are high levels of these algae. The situation at De Ster shows a bigger problem related to environmental changes, like warmer temperatures and extra nutrients from runoff, which can make algae grow more. It’s important to manage and reduce this issue to keep visitors safe and able to enjoy the area.
To deal with the blue-green algae problem, De Ster and the province of East Flanders have asked the Provincial Centre for Environmental Research (PCM) to do a detailed study. Blue-green algae can harm water quality and aquatic life, so it’s important to find ways to control their growth. The PCM’s job is to look at the current situation and figure out good strategies to prevent or reduce the spread of these algae. The results of this study are expected to be ready by February 2025. The findings will give important information and suggestions on how to improve water management and tackle the blue-green algae problem. These suggestions will be key in creating future plans and actions to make sure the water environments are healthier and that water quality is managed sustainably in the region.
Last week, some steps were taken to help the pond. De Ster said they added floating plants on Thursday. Soon, they will put in 45 underwater plant structures. This will help make more oxygen in the water and give fish places to live and breed. These actions won’t make the blue-green algae go away right away, but they are a good start to fixing the water system.
