Blue/Green Algae?

[Divebum Don]

Been in NM a month, loving it! Only dived twice so far, Haa! The tips on where to find the Slot Machines at Eagle Nest Lake are solid... BUT, there's a "Warning" on the lake right now about "Blue/Green Algae" that can affect humans. Anybody got any insight here??

In Cali we don't dive much in Plankton Blooms, and avoid any "after" rain dives, so I'm curious about BGA? I've done only 2 ("recovery") dives so far in NM at Heron Lake (my Bro lost some boat parts overboard), Haaa! ...and now I'm apprehensive about diving E/N Lake with the "BGA" alert.

It's gookey green globs that will surely affect Vizz, I don't care about black water SAR, that's just the dive business, what I can't afford is to be sick. Is there REALLY anything to worry about here, I'm way out of my element with this BGA thing... I do wear an O.T.S. FFM, but I doubt it will help here??

TIA, Don

 

[Divebum Don]

New Mexico Department of Health:

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) is one of the largest and oldest
groups of bacteria that grow in water. Many people refer to it as pond scum.
Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams
when water is warm and stagnant.

Why is blue-green algae in recreational waters a health concern?
Blue-green algae can form blooms that can, but not always:
• Produce toxins that are natural powerful poisons
• Make people, their pets and other animals sick
• Block sunlight and use up all the oxygen in the water, thereby killing
other plants and animals.

What do blue-green algae blooms look like?
Blooms often look like green paint floating on water, foam or scum, or mats on
the surface of fresh water lakes and ponds. Blooms can be blue, bright green,
brown or red. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water but as
algae in the blooms die, the water may smell bad.

What types of illnesses can people and animals get from being exposed
to blue-green algae?
• Skin exposures can give people a rash, hives or skin blisters (especially on the
lips and under swimsuits).

• Breathing in water droplets during activities like water-skiing and swimming
can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or
allergic reactions.

• Swallowing water can cause:
• Stomach symptoms to occur within hours or days after an exposure,
including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
• Neurotoxicity symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes after
exposure.
􏰀 In humans, symptoms can include numb lips, tingling fingers
and toes, dizziness and in extremely rare cases death.
􏰀 In dogs, symptoms can include drooling, weakness, staggering,
difficulty breathing, convulsions and death.
UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE AND HEALTH EFFECTS
BLUE GREEN ALGAE
NEW MEXICO
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF
Health Department: 888 878-8992

Environment Department: 505 827-0187
What if I, my family or pet get sick because of blue-green algae?
Answer. Seek medical treatment immediately and notify your medical provider of
the exposure.

Who is at greatest health risk from blue-green algae toxins?
Answer. Small animals and children because they weigh less and can get a relatively
larger dose of toxin. Dogs are particularly susceptible to blue-green algae poisoning
because scums can attach to their coats and be swallowed during self-cleaning.

What should we do if we see a blue-green algae bloom?
Answer. Don't wade, swim, water ski, boat or come in contact with water in
areas where the water is discolored or where you see signs of an algae bloom.
• If you do swim or come in contact with the water rinse off with fresh water as
soon as possible.
• Don't let pets or livestock swim in or drink from areas where blooms are seen.
• If pets (especially dogs) swim in scummy water, rinse them off immediately.
Do not let them lick the algae off their fur.

Where in New Mexico can blue-green algae grow?
Answer. Blue-green algae can be found anywhere in New Mexico. However, not all
algae is toxic, in fact the vast majority of algae is not dangerous. In certain locations,
conditions are better for algae growth, including shallow coves.

If I don't see any algae in the water can I still do all the things I normally
do like fishing, swimming, water skiing and wading?
Answer. Yes, but remember that it is always a good idea to wash your hands before
eating and preparing food and never drink, or allow pets to drink untreated surface
water.

Have there been any deaths in New Mexico due to blue-green algae toxins?
Answer. There have been NO reported human deaths but there have been several
dog deaths. Also, there have been reports of rashes and stomach problems in humans
exposed to water with blue-green algae.

Can I eat fish from water containing blue-green algae?
Answer. Yes, but eat such fish in moderation and avoid eating the guts of the fish,
where accumulation of toxins may occur.
BLUE GREEN ALGAE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For health-related questions call the
New Mexico Department of Health:
888 878-8992
Visit: NM Department of Health

For water related questions call the
New Mexico Environment Department:
505 827-0187
Visit: New Mexico Environment Department Home Web Site Homepage NMED State Government Protection Pollution Prevention Water Land Air Waste

 

[RonFrank]

So you answered your own questions!

I would avoid the algae unless you have a reason to dive such water, however it is likely rather harmless for divers unless a rash scares you.

I would attempt to avoid skin contact, however diving is likely as safe as you can get assuming you wear exposure protection.

If you wear a dry suit and a hood it will be almost impossible to even gain a rash!

 

[Divebum Don]

Thanks Ron, I wasn't too worried, but hoped y'all had some insight. I'll be here another week or so, and hope to spy the Slot Machines at E/N Lake. Recovery of the "slots" could be a challenge as the lake has been transfered to state ownership now, and I imagine it's a "no take" zone . I'm planning another trip here next Spring with some recovery gear.