Concerns with Algal Blooms
and Fish Kills
In recent years there have been several dense algal blooms which threatened the health of Esquimalt Lagoon. In 2008 and 2009 dense algal blooms combined with very low night-time tides caused serious depletion of the oxygen levels in the lagoon (algae use oxygen at night). These conditions are thought to have caused the fish kills observed in the fall of 2008 and 2009.
ELSI is currently focusing on this issue as a top priority. Stormwater sampling in the lagoon and adjacent areas was stepped up in 2009 and a graduate student from University of Victoria is currently studying phytoplankton communities in the lagoon.
Phytoplankton Blooms in Esquimalt Lagoon in 2008, and the Effects of Freshwater Inputs
NewsPaper articles
Dead Fish In Lagoon Linked To Stormwater -Goldstream News
Lagoon Algae Bloom Natural - Goldstream Gazette