Hi Baz,
Is that a sea eagle coming up behind you in your Avatar ? It's that pink hat I tell you !
Jim,
Yeah, most local authorities in Scotland have a BG Algae watch on the go via their Environmental Health departments. I,m surprised that there were no warning notices up at Lintrathen given the extent the Loch was affected.
Noel,
Most of the nutrients driving algal growth come from nutrient enrichment from fertilisers throughout the summer months. There's nae doot however that this enrichment can be considerably enhanced by birds , particularly large flocks of overwintering geese in some places. Strathbeg eg.
At this time of year the stuff is starting to die off releasing microcystin toxins among others. Should be at least some notices warning of this and to WASH YOUR HANDS. Although human side effects are not well documented BGA toxins are known to be responsible for the deaths of some animals , notably dogs which have been encouraged to swim by their owners.
Paul.