Region Announces First-Ever Algae Monitoring Plan for 2001 Beaches

There is a letter signed by Vittorio Carreri, director of the Direzione generale Sanità of the Region, announcing for the first time that “during the 2001 bathing season, a algal monitoring plan will be implemented.” The complete list of beaches where this monitoring will be carried out is attached. The abnormal phenomenon of algae has, as is remembered, caused discomfort and severe economic damage to bathers and coastal municipalities, particularly to those of Peschiera, in Veneto, and to Sirmione and Desenzano, with marginal incidences also in Moniga and Marerba. The intervention announced by regional health authorities had been awaited for a couple of years, since the proliferation of vegetation, which detaches from the seabed during the warmest periods of the season, started to become apparent.

Algae Interventions and Issues

In the same locations, a derogation will also be applied for the dissolved oxygen parameter: this to prevent a dangerous deterioration of the beaches and their automatic passage into the black zone. However, the problem has not yet been addressed seriously. Some scientific studies have begun, agreed upon, but the algae-collecting boats are still operating. The Province has assured that it will send one into the water for this season.

The danger is that Sirmione and other areas of the lower lake could once again be invaded by weeds next summer.