Every year starting in 2008 the shores of Qingdao have been plagued with a blue-green algae bloom that, in the past, has caused havoc to the beach tourism industry. This year’s blue-green algae bloom is the largest to date, but quick and decisive decisions made early have proven to be effective in reducing the amount of algae washed up on Qingdao’s beaches.
In early June 2012 the Qingdao Marine and Fishery Bureau built a 20,000 meter long floating fence to keep the blue-green algae from drifting ashore onto Qingdao’s beaches.
The next few days are predicted to be the worst as the waters warm and the winds blow the massive algae mat towards the coastal shores of Qingdao.
“The algae absorb nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in the seawater. More than 80 percent of the algae are recycled for making fertilizer, animal feed and food additives …” – xinhuanet.com
Photograph © Colton Dirks
I’m quite disturbed by quotation… “food addictives” by recycled algae?!
Bleaah! O_o
I took the above photo just a few days ago at ZhanQiao Pier and Bathing Beach No. 6 and today was amazed to see almost no sign of any blue-green algae left on the Beaches.
The Qingdao Marine and Fishery Bureau’s quick and decisive actions really did work. Thanks for keeping the Qingdao’s beaches clean.