Perceptions of Freshwater Algal Blooms, Causes and Health among New Brunswick Lakefront Property Owners.

Abstract

Changes to water conditions due to eutrophication and climate change have resulted in the proliferation of algae blooms in freshwater and marine environments globally, including in Canadian lakes. We developed and administered an online survey to evaluate the awareness of these blooms and the perceptions of health risks in a sample of New Brunswick waterfront cottage and homeowners. The survey was distributed to lake and cottage associations in New Brunswick and was completed by 186 eligible respondents (18 years of age or older). Participants were asked about the water quality of their lake, awareness about algae blooms, sociodemographic and cottage characteristics, and to complete a self-rated measure of physical and mental health. While approximately 73% of participants reported that the quality of their lake water was good or very good, 41% indicated a concern about algae blooms. We found no differences in self-reported physical or mental health between those who were aware of algae blooms at their cottage and those who were not (p > 0.05). Participants expressed concerns about the impacts of algae blooms on the health of their pets, and wildlife. While climate change was the most frequently identified cause of algae blooms, there was substantial heterogeneity in the responses. In addition, the reporting of the presence and frequency of algae bloom varied between respondents who lived on the same lake. Taken together, the findings from our survey suggest that cottage owners in New Brunswick are aware and concerned about the impacts of algae blooms, however, there is a need to provide additional information to them about the occurrence and causes of these blooms.