The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it cannot yet say what one of the factors behind a recent algal bloom in Forest Pond near Salmon Cove might be.
Algal blooms are caused by a combination of light, warm temperatures and nutrients. If all three elements are present, says DFO, an algal bloom can form.
The source of the nutrients however is not immediately known as officials await further testing.
The algal bloom discolouring the water at Forest Pond has been identified as green algae—a non-toxic form of bacteria—although some blue-green algae was also present in some of the samples.
Jun 25, 2021 – Common, Non-Toxic Algae Identified in Study of Discoloured Water Near Salmon Cove: DFO
Fish died as a result of reduced oxygen levels in the water.
DFO says the provincial government has conducted further testing, the results of which are not yet available.
