pvb
Well-known member
Any Mediterranean sailors with knowledge of algal blooms? We're off on holiday to mainland Spain in a week, and the beach we're going to was closed this week due to an algal bloom. The microalgae involved is Ostreopsis, which can cause breathing difficulties and skin irritation. It's carried by sea spray, so not only have they banned swimming in the sea, they've also put the beach out of bounds for 100 metres from the waterline (effectively the entire beach!). I gather that these events are increasing around Spain, France, Italy and Croatia in recent years. Any idea how long these blooms typically last? Or should I cancel the holiday?
