A good source of information.
Calm seas,
Writer, naturalist, mentor
Catherine French
805.570.0432
We are given only so many days, make each one count.
Begin forwarded message:
From: CDFW News <noreply+feedproxy@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: June 12, 2020 at 6:25:08 PM PDT
To: cfrench1366@xxxxxxx
Subject: California Fish and Wildlife News
Reply-To: CDFW News <CDFWNews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
California Fish and Wildlife News
Anglers, Others Urged to Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms When Recreating on
the Water
Posted: 12 Jun 2020 01:01 PM PDT
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is urging anglers and
other recreational water users to be vigilant about checking for harmful
freshwater algal blooms (HABs) while out enjoying California’s lakes,
reservoirs, rivers, streams and creeks this year.
Algae and cyanobacteria, the organisms that cause HABs, have existed for
billions of years as essential components of freshwater ecosystems. But when
certain conditions accelerate their growth – warm temperatures, stagnant
water flows and excessive nutrients – they can multiply very rapidly creating
“blooms.” These blooms can produce toxins and taste and odor compounds that
pose health risks to humans and animals. When blooms pose a risk, they are
referred to as harmful algal blooms or HABs.
These blooms pose risks to the health and safety of people and pets drinking
the water and recreating in water bodies affected by blooms. Children and
pets, especially dogs, are particularly susceptible to HABs because of their
smaller body size, increased potential to swallow water while swimming and
tendency to stay in the water longer. Dogs tend to lick their fur afterward,
increasing their risk of exposure and illness.
Symptoms of HAB-related illness in people and animals are available at the
California HABs portal human health and domestic animal pages, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and by contacting the California
Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). If you, your children, or your pet
experience these symptoms after potential HAB exposure, contact your doctor
or veterinarian.
These toxins also can accumulate in fish and shellfish to levels that pose
threats to people and wildlife. Specifically, these chemicals accumulate in
the guts of fish and in shellfish. For this reason, only cleaned fish fillets
(no consumption of fish guts) and no shellfish consumption is recommended if
a HAB is present and an advisory is posted at the “Caution” or “Warning”
level. If a “Danger” advisory is posted, no water contact or fish consumption
is recommended.
CDFW urges anglers and others to practice the following Healthy Water Habits
when visiting California’s waterways:
Heed all instructions on posted advisories if present
Avoid algae and scum in the water and on the shore
Keep an eye on children and dogs
If you think a HAB is present, do not let pets and other animals go into or
drink the water, or eat scum/algal accumulations on the shore
Don’t drink the water or use it for cooking
Wash yourself, your family and your pets with clean water after water play
If you catch fish, discard the guts and clean fillets with tap water or
bottled water before cooking.
Avoid eating shellfish if you think a HAB is present
Report any suspected or confirmed algal bloom and any related human, animal
illness
###
Media Contact:
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858
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