GEORGE NEWS - Island Lake in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park reopens for all recreational activities today, Friday 30 May. This follows the temporary closure on 7 March, due to the detection of blue-green algal bloom bacteria.
Recent water quality tests, supported by satellite imagery, have confirmed the absence of toxin-producing algal species in the lake, deeming it safe for public use.
The occurrence of the algal bloom is likely the result of several factors coming together, both environmental and other factors beyond the control or management influence of South African National Parks (SANParks). These include warm temperatures, reduced water inflows, and nutrient run-off from the broader lake catchment area.
SANParks will continue to conduct regular monitoring of the lake to detect any early signs of changes in the water quality and algal composition.
While we continue to monitor, it is essential to note that such events may recur in the future due to a changing climate and increasing pressure on the surrounding landscape.
"We thank the public for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout this period," says JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson.
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