Algal bloom prompts riverfront park advisories in Cape Coral

City of Cape Coral posts notices at Rosen Park, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Horton Park, Jaycee Park & the Yacht Club Beach

Algal blooms are continuing to put a damper on swimming and fishing conditions along the Caloosahatchee River, prompting the city of Cape Coral to post temporary advisory signs at Rosen Park, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Horton Park, Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club Beach.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can potentially produce toxins harmful to the human body, along with turning the water into a slimy, sludge-like dark green vat of "no way I'm swimming in that."

"We issued the advisory due to the presence of blue-green algae in the Caloosahatchee River, which can affect the canals adjacent to the river," said Maureen Buice, city spokesperson, in an email. "This does not affect all of our canals especially the freshwater canals. Also, it may not affect some of the more interior saltwater canals."

The advisories-which state swim at your own risk and to not consume fish from the waters - were posted earlier in the week and will remain up as long as the blue-green algae is present, Buice said.

Cyanobacteria is a type of algae naturally present in freshwater environments.

It is a microorganism that functions similarly to plants in that is feeds through photosynthesis and obtains energy from the sun.

A contributing factor to algal bloom can be increases in nutrients that amplify the extent, duration and intensity of these blooms.

Other factors can include warm temperatures, reduced water flow and lack of animals that eat algae.