The Adeje City Council, following the recommendations made by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, given the appearance of microalgae in some coastal areas and bathing areas of the municipality, recommends refraining from bathing and avoiding contact with these elements in the water and with the remains that appear deposited in the sand due to the effects of the tides.
The presence of these microalgae, which have a color similar to yellow sand, in some areas of our coastline, have also been sighted in other coastal points of the Island, they are known as massive proliferations (blooms) of microalgae, which sometimes arrive bathing areas, without causing significant damage so far.
From the Adeje City Council, relying on the information provided by the General Directorate itself and expert personnel in the matter, we proceed to inform the population that the massive outcrops or blooms of “microalgae” are natural phenomena that occur periodically as a consequence of various biological, environmental and climatological factors.
High water temperatures, calm winds and currents, as well as episodes of Saharan dust intrusion (haze), are conditions that can favor the appearance of these phenomena that are generally present simultaneously in different locations and islands of the Archipelago.
Most microalgae are harmless, but some can produce toxins with different health effects, either by contact, by ingesting the water that contains them, or by inhaling the aerosols caused by the waves.
Recommendations and protection measures
The Adeje City Council echoes the recommendations of the General Directorate of Public Health, among which are:
- Refrain from bathing in the affected area of the beach and avoid contact with the material deposited on the sand.
- Avoid positioning downwind to reduce the possible inhalation of aerosols on the shore.
- For the practice of water sports or any other activity that involves immersion, neoprene garments must be worn that prevent water from coming into contact with the skin and whose openings fit well to prevent the entry of water, since the entrapment of microalgae between skin and garment increases contact time and effects.
- After contact with a ‘microalgae’ bloom, it is necessary to shower or rinse thoroughly to remove any remains on the skin.
- Wash and dry clothing or material that has come into contact with the bloom.
- The organization of recreational or sports activities on the beaches affected by these episodes is not recommended.
- Install billboards, public address system or notices to beach users that include a list of tips.
- If any health effects are observed after exposure to a bloom, seek medical advice.
Identification of massive blooms of “microalgae”
The presence of massive blooms or “microalgae” blooms on beaches is easily identifiable with the naked eye, due to the following characteristics:
- Anomalous coloration of the water with spots of variable intensity and color (orange, brown, brown, bluish-green or whitish) and loss of transparency.
- Presence of “cream”, lumps or spots on the surface of the water, of variable color and intensity and a more or less viscous, oily or sawdust appearance.
- As the “microalgae” decompose, an odor of variable and unpleasant intensity may appear.
Bathing water analysis
The Municipal Laboratory of Adeje, together with the General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, periodically analyze the quality of the bathing water on the coast of the municipality of Adeje.
The arrival of this type of massive blooms of microalgae is not predictable, so you must follow the instructions of the rescue and lifeguard personnel and the local police on duty on the beaches and maritime bathing areas or respect the fencing and signs warning.
Finally, the Adeje City Council informs that the Canary Islands Health Service and the General Directorate of Public Health itself issued a notice on August 10 to all the municipalities of the archipelago in relation to the massive blooms of microalgae in all the bathing areas of the Canary Islands.
