The Nashwaak Watershed

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Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria bloom in Lake Erie

Cyanobacteria are a phylum of aquatic bacteria that obtain their energy from the sun (through photosynthesis). They are often called “blue-green algae” but they are not algae. Aquatic cyanobacteria are known for their blooms that can have the appearance of bright green to brown paint or scum on the surface of the water. Fresh blooms smell like newly mown grass; older blooms smell like rotting garbage. These blooms can be toxic and lead to the closure of recreational waters when spotted. Cyanobacteria growth is favored in ponds and lakes where waters are calm but blooms can also occur as mats on the bottom of rivers and streams. Growth is also favored at higher temperatures. Cyanobacteria reproduce explosively under certain conditions and blooms usually occur in late summer and early fall. The blooms can be harmful to humans and animals if the cyanobacteria involved produce toxins. Cyanobacteria can produce neurotoxins, cytotoxins, endotoxins, and hepatotoxins, which are collectively known as cyanotoxins.

The NB Department of Health issues an advisory if a bloom is noted in a waterbody. Advisories help to inform local recreational water users, so that they can make informed decisions on water use in the affected area.  Individuals should avoid swimming and any other recreational water-related activities in areas with blue-green algae blooms.

If you see a cyanobacteria bloom:

  • Do not swim or engage in any other recreational activity that may involve contact with water
    (e.g., water-skiing) in areas where a bloom is observed.
  • Keep children, pets and livestock away. They may be more at risk of becoming ill.
  • Do not drink the lake water. Boiling the water will not remove toxins.

Dr. Janice Lawrence is an associate professor of biology at UNB and has been studying blue-green algae in the Saint John river. She says there are large accumulations of blue-green algae along the bottom of the river bed, and those mats are ripping off the bottom rapidly now, and washing downriver. She says the volume of material is very concerning, and it’s toxic. CBC Interview with Dr. Janice Lawrence

Part 1 Cyanobacteria Panel of Experts

Part 2 Cyanobacteria Panel of Experts

Part 3 Cyanobacteria Panel of Experts

2019 Cyanobacteria Monitoring

Coming soon

 

Cyanobacteria can also grow as mats on the river’s substrate

 

For more information, visit these links:

NB Department of Health FAQs,

Health Canada,

Conservation Council Article from 2018

 

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Recent News

Lunch & Learn: Flood Mitigation and Community Resilience Series

February 8, 2021

NWAI 25th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting Videos

November 27, 2020

“A cheaper way to fight flooding”: Daily Gleaner, October 2, 2020

October 9, 2020

East Ryan Brook Fish Ladder Installation

September 15, 2020

Upcoming Events

  1. Owl Prowl Winter Adventure – Round 2!

    March 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  2. Lunch & Learn: The Link Between Natural Infrastructure & Flood Attenuation

    March 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

View All Events

Upcoming Events

  1. Owl Prowl Winter Adventure – Round 2!

    March 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  2. Lunch & Learn: The Link Between Natural Infrastructure & Flood Attenuation

    March 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

View All Events

NWAI on Twitter

This morning the Nashwaak Watershed Association started our Spring Break-up data gathering for GNB's River Watch Program. From early March into early April we will monitor conditions on the Nashwaak River at 9+ sites, twice weekly. See the river at Giant's Glen Rd. https://t.co/wOJ8AWHv2N

- 1 day ago

Please register: https://t.co/twiDarnV9l

- 1 day ago

Support from @WWFCanada enabled on-the-ground restoration projects in the Wolastoq watershed, including the Nashwaak. #eaunbwater #wildlife #mynashwaak https://t.co/v3hWb4fOKA

- 2 days ago

Welcome Kelly Cain and congratulations to John Foley on all his years with @NCC_CNC! https://t.co/A1XcRTfgFk

- 7 days ago

Are you a homeowner affected by flooding in New Brunswick? Join us for a Lunch & Learn session this afternoon, and hear about what you can do to mitigate flood risk in your home: https://t.co/0JBKxxy5pM #eaunbwater #flooding https://t.co/b2L1XQOhn6

- 7 days ago

Follow @NashwaakWater

NWAI on Facebook

Amy Floyd

1 day ago

Amy Floyd
This morning the Nashwaak Watershed Association started our Spring Break-up data gathering for GNB's River Watch Program. From the first week of March into early April we will monitor conditions on the Nashwaak River at 9+ sites, twice weekly. This morning, spring seemed far away with -17'C temps, high winds and downed trees. Just as I visited the upper most site on Giant's Glen Rd. the sun broke through. This is the river running just Northwest of Stanley. A great place to be no matter the weather : ) ... See MoreSee Less

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Contact Us

Mail:
Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
P.O. Box 314, Station “A”
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4Y2

Office:
181 Westmorland Street
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3L6
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Phone: 506 261-4664
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