PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 19, 2005 — TheSt. Johns River Water Management District today received the following resultsfrom algae samples collected Thursday from the Lower St. Johns River Basin.Several of these samples show levels of algal toxins exceeding WorldHealth Organization recommended guidelines of 10 parts per billion for recreationalactivities.

• St. Johns River at San Mateo (Putnam County) — 17.5 parts per billion
• St. Johns River off Fleming Island — greater than 500 parts per billion
• St. Johns River off southern bank of Julington Creek — 138 parts per billion
• St. Johns River south of Buckman Bridge — 97 parts per billion
• St. Johns River off Beauclair Bluff — 538 parts per billion
• St. Johns River north of Tallyrand dock — 44 parts per billion
• St. Johns River between Point La Vista and Naval Air Station Jacksonville— 1,413 parts per billion

Algae in samples collected over the last two weeks by District staff wereidentified as predominantly Microcystis aeruginosa. While Microcystisaeruginosa has been observed as a result of monitoring in past years,the current bloom is more dense and widespread . This species is one of severalassociated with the production of toxic compounds, known as microcystins.

The District is continuing to collect samples for analysis. Additional resultswill be released as they become available.

Algal toxins are released when the cell dies or is ingested. Primary problemsassociated with toxins from blue-green algae include damage to the nervoussystem or liver of animals that ingest the toxins.

As the algae move downstream from freshwaters into saltier waters, they beginto become stressed and die, exerting a greater demand on dissolved oxygen.Some fish species — with little tolerance for low levels of dissolved oxygen— may die. In addition, Microcystis aeruginosa can directly leadto fish kills, either by ingestion of the algal toxin, or by clogging the gills.

WHO guidelines when blue-green algal blooms are present are to:

• Avoid areas with visible algae and/or scums. Direct contact and ingestionare associated with the greatest health risk.
• If no scums are visible, but water shows a strong greenish discolorationsuch that you cannot see your feet when standing knee deep (after sedimenthas settled), avoid bathing (swimming), immersion of head, and/or ingestion.
• Avoid waterskiing in visible scums or waters with a strong greenish colorationas described above because of the potentially substantial risk of exposureto aerosols.
• If sailing, sailboarding or undertaking any other activity likely to involveaccidental immersion, wear clothing that is loose fitting in the openings.Use of wet suits for water sports may result in greater risk of rashes,as the algal material trapped in the wet suit will be in contact with theskin for longer periods of time.
• After coming ashore, shower or wash to remove algal material.

For information about participating in water-related activities or abouteating fish or seafood caught in an algal bloom, contact the local health department:

• Clay County Health Department, (904) 269-6341, ext. 148
• Duval County Health Department, (904) 630-3251
• Putnam County Health Department, (386) 326-3267
• St. Johns County Health Department, (904) 823-2514, ext. 105

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