Dead blue-green algae cells release a blue pigment, phycocyanin, and they might colour beaches turquoise. Photo from Kirkkojärvi in Kangasala from the beginning of August 2021. © Laura Härkönen / SYKE
Press release 4.8.2022 Finnish Environment Institute SYKE
The cyanobacterial situation in lakes has deteriorated in some places since last week, although the national situation in lakes remains calm. In sea areas, the number of surface blooms has decreased, and the cyanobacteria have mixed with water in many places. The warm and calm weather may further increase the number of cyanobacterial blooms in late summer. In some places, dead cyanobacterial cells have washed up on the beaches, dyeing the beaches turquoise because of the colour pigment in the algae..
The vast majority of the Great Cormorant’s breeding population in Finland now lives in large communities of more than 500 pairs. In a large colony, some cormorants can succeed in their nesting despite the predation of White-tailed Eagles. © Heikki Kotiranta
Press release 3.8.2022 Finnish Environment Institute SYKE
According to a new study, the growing White-tailed Eagle population affects both the location of the Great Cormorant’s nesting colonies and their breeding performance. The White-tailed Eagle plays an increasingly important role in limiting the Great Cormorant population. Finland’s Great Cormorant population has not grown since 2015.