Harmful Algae Blooms

A lakeshore covered in a green, slimy, and sometimes stinky mat of algae is not an uncommon summer occurrence in South Dakota. Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) receives many calls every summer with concerns about the safety of recreating in and around these algae-laden waters.  Is it safe to swim or boat?  Is it safe for my dog to swim?  Is it safe for my dog or my cattle to drink the water? Can I eat the fish caught from these waters? (Yes, but it is recommended to limit consumption if a bloom has recently occurred).

Information

While GFP sometimes serves as the first point of contact in the reporting of algal blooms, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has the experts on this topic and are the government agency responsible for monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs). Their HAB webpage provides a wealth of information on HABs: the causes, reporting procedures, safety precautions, health effects, and much more on this topic. 

What To Do

If you witness what you believe to be a harmful algal bloom, the first, and most important action you can take is to protect people, pets and livestock by ensuring they stay out of the water. When in doubt, stay out! It is impossible to tell if an algal bloom is producing toxins without testing for toxins, so the safest course of action is to exercise caution.

Contact Us

To report an algae bloom, please contact DANR by email or by phone at 605.773.3623. Please contact your local Area Fisheries Supervisor or Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist if you notice dead fish in association with the bloom.