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Blue-green algae warning for South Uist lochs

September 17, 2014

water

A warning has been issued about algae on three lochs in South Uist.

Recent samples taken at Loch Shibhaigh Mor, Loch East Ollay and Loch Kildonan, all in South Uist have indicated the presence of blue-green algae.

Swallowing the water or algal scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects.

Contact with the water or algal scum can cause skin problems.

It is a sensible precaution for you, your children and your animals to avoid contact with the scum and the water close to it.  For further information, contact the Environmental Health Team of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar on 01851 822 694

As a precautionary measure, notices will be posted next to the lochs warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided.

Adjoining landowners and fishing interests have been advised of the situation as have the Consumer & Environmental Services Section of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and NHS Western Isles.

Notes:

Blue-green algae exist in fresh waters in Great Britain and throughout the world; they are noticed when their concentrations increase to form “blooms” and when they form scums – looking like blue-green paint – or when they collect on the shore line.

Some blue-green algae may give rise to adverse medical effects – but not always. Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints.  Toxic algae have caused deaths of livestock and dogs. The treatment of water supplies removes blue-green algae and additional treatment may be applied to destroy or remove toxins             should they arise. The actions currently taken are precautionary.

The behaviour of algae is erratic.

The level of its toxicity can fluctuate; it can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind and mixing and re-accumulate at any time.

Filed Under: Fishing, Health, News Tagged With: Algae, South Uist, Water

SHAMED again questions further designations

September 9, 2014

Map of the proposed 'West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA'.

Map of the proposed ‘West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA’.

Campaign group Southern Hebrides Against Marine Environmental Designations (SHAMED) has raised questions over plans to designate the west coast of the Outer Hebrides – from Barra to southern Harris – as a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Plans to create the new designation – which would aim to protect species including Great Northern Divers and Slavonian Grebe – were published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in August.

Reacting to the news, South Uist community landlord Storas Uibhist said the proposed SPA would be a matter of “major concern” to islanders.  North Uist councillor Uisdean Robertson said the islands were being “squeezed” by environmental designations and might as well be declared “a national park”.

Now SHAMED – which led the fight against the eventual creation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) at East Mingulay and in the Sound of Barra – has added its voice to the debate over further designations.

In an open letter, SHAMED chair Angus MacLeod asks for clarification on the impact the SPA would have on potential future marine renewable energy developments in the area.

 

The full letter is re-printed below:

Dear Sir,

We have known since March 2010 that the Scottish Government was searching for new EU Special Protection Areas in our waters. The result of that search is a proposal for a huge SPA to the west of the islands, running from Taransay to Barrahead.

Surely this community should be discussing the possible impact of this site?

We need to know what will happen to the potential for marine renewables in our local area. The waters west of Barra and Uist were identified for development by the Scottish Government in 2008 as an alternative to the now protected Sound of Barra location. Now the alternative site itself is in danger of being designated.

I think we should also be asking how the “locally-led” Sound of Barra SAC management can possibly work now, since the new SPA proposals will cover most of the SAC waters within the Sound.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who shares these concerns.

 

Yours faithfully,

Angus MacLeod

Chairman for SHAMED

2 Eoligarry

Barra

Filed Under: Fishing, News, Renewable Energy Tagged With: Designation, Outer Hebrides, Renewable Energy, SPA

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