AN OUTBREAK of toxic algae which can cause illness in humans and animals has been found on an Anglesey lake.
Senior Environment Officer for Environment Agency Wales Euryn Roberts said that high temperatures caused the outbreak of blue green algae at Llyn Coron near Aberffraw.
"Algal blooms can occur in lakes where sufficient nutrients are present and the weather is warm and calm,” he said. “We will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming weeks.”
He added that the Agency expected the bloom to continue over the summer if the weather remains warm.
Environment agency Wales staff took an algal sample from Llyn Coron last week and results show that levels of blue-green algae are above the warning threshold.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally but blooms can form when their numbers become excessive.
The algae adds oxygen to the water during the day but consumes it at night.
The resulting low oxygen levels in the early morning can suffocate fish and other creatures.
The algae can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat and has been linked with effects on the liver and on the nervous pets, livestock and people.
Gwynedd Council advised the public no to contact with surface scum and not to drink or swim in the water or let their animals do the same.
Toxic algae affected Llyn Coron, Llyn Maelog, near Rhosneigr, and Llyn Llygeirian near Llanfechell last summer.
A major outbreak caused by sewage and unusual weather hit Llyn Padarn in Llanberis in June last year.
For more information call the Environment Agency emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.