Kleinstrand Camping Resort, Jabbeke
Severe bloom of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), official swimming ban
"With OASE CyanoClear, we finally had a really effective solution for our blue-green algae problem. The experts at OASE offered us very clear and useful advice, rather than a lot of standard suggestions. Next year, we will plan ahead and will turn to OASE before the start of the season."
Project highlights
After just 3 days, blue-green algae growth stopped and dangerous toxins were neutralised
Safe lake usage was restored for holidaymakers, families and recreational sports
A short time after the application of CyanoClear, visibility depth improved considerably
The starting point
The lake falls silent at the height of peak season
The lake at Kleinstrand Camping Resort, located between Bruges and Ostend in West Flanders, Belgium, is usually a hive of activity during the summer: Families are enjoying their camping holiday, children are playing on the beach and in the water, and water skiers are racing through the waves at one of Belgium's largest resorts. But in mid-July 2022, the message was clear: Stop – official swimming ban! The reason? Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, had spread extensively across the lake, which can lead to a harmful concentration of microcystins. This was disappointing news for all users as well as for the operators of the campsite. The longest swimming ban since the opening of the lake inevitably led to economic losses.
The solution
Fast action is needed
The official ban on swimming and lake usage meant a drastic restriction on holiday and leisure activities around the lake – with corresponding negative consequences for the surrounding tourism industry: Not only are the operations of the Adventure Aquapark and the water ski track reliant on the use of the lake, but the pollution in the water also led to economic damages for those responsible for the camping resort. There were a large number of complaints on the Facebook page, holidaymakers who had already arrived left the site and others cancelled their bookings. But the lake itself was also in danger: Cyanobacteria usually float on the water surface during an extensive bloom, taking light that is essential for photosynthesis away from plants living underwater. Dead plant remains form fermentation gases, leading to a drop in oxygen levels – and this can even cause the entire body of water to become biologically dead. In the interests of the guests, tourism operators and the natural environment, a quick solution had to be found to prevent further issues.
The successes
CyanoClear immediately created clear conditions
Due to the urgent needs of the campsite, OASE was able to provide the required product quantities within a week and travelled to the site with a team of experts. Accompanied by extensive scientific studies before, during and after the treatment, they applied the exact dose of CyanoClear to the water by means of a special boat. In just a short time, they were able to observe that the typical streaks floating on the water surface were reduced and the visibility depth had improved considerably. After only three days, the blue-green algae bloom had almost completely disappeared. And the toxins? Analyses showed that CyanoClear had also successfully neutralised the harmful microcystins to 0.89 µg/l, thereby averting the health risk to humans and animals. The result was confirmed by the authorities: At the beginning of August 2022, the lake was officially open for use again – the summer, the lake and the swimming season were saved for everyone.
Well equipped for the future
The fact that the situation at Kleinstrand could be rectified so quickly was a huge delight for all campers and water-skiing fans as well as for the local tourist industry. Of course, future occurrences of cyanobacteria have to be expected, as longer periods of hot weather will continue to take place and encourage unrestrained blue-green algae growth. It is good to know that a fast, particularly efficient and demonstrably effective remedy is available in this event.
The Kleinstrand campsite will therefore plan for this in the future. Jan Heus, the operator of the campsite, also thinks this is a good plan and therefore has a positive outlook on the future: "In April of next year, we will be working with OASE to implement the application before the season starts, thereby keeping the operation open for the entire season. This means a lot less stress for us and more happy and satisfied guests".
Project fact sheet
| Project name | Kleinstrand Camping Resort |
| Country | Belgium |
| City/region/area | Jabbeke (West Flanders) |
| Type of water | Freshwater |
| Type and size | Swimming and leisure lake, approx. 3.8 ha total area, 6 m average depth |
| Problem | Extensive bloom of blue-green algae, accompanied by harmful microcystin concentrations |
| Product applied | CyanoClear |
| Period and type of application | One-off application at the end of July 2022 |
| Result of the application | Approval to open the entire lake by the local health authority on 2 August 2022 |
In collaboration with:
OASE Professional Partner Aqua-Press, Varsenare
AGL Engineering Office Börnert (Limnology and Laboratory)
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