Bay Clearwater closed due to potentially poisonous algae

Beach Clearwater. Photo / DOC

Lake Clearwater located in Ashburton is closed due to a highly toxic algal bloom.

The algal bloom is attributable to increased nitrogen and phosphorus abilities in the catchment.

Debs Martin, Forest & Bird regional conservation manager, was at the lake this week and was horrified mainly because brown cloudy lake water.

“Right now it looks like pea brown soup and it’s not safe operate. It’s just awful. You should be that will see down into the depths of your lake, that’s how the lake been given its name and why fishers as holidaymakers love it so much.

“This lake is incredibly important for pets, like diving birds that need to be in the see prey in the water for you to feed. We’ve wrecked their strictly home. The councils responsible should do better. ”

Land-use intensification of sheep and ground beef farming over the past 10 years is taking a toll on biodiversity and recreation regarding Lake Clearwater and neighbouring lakes and wetlands, Martin said.

The area is normally known for pets like Australasian crested grebes and as well , secretive wetland birds like bitterns, as well as recreational fishing, boating, to windsurfing.

Martin announced neither district nor regional local authorities are doing enough to protect fresh water.

“There are standards engaged and monitoring is occurring, but immediately 15 years of failing to meet independently standards the regional council does not taken the actions necessary to actually end intensification and the extensive use of fertilisers.

“They need to take move now. We could lose these out of this world natural lakes and essential appartement. I worry it may already be late. ”