Kleinstrand Camping Resort, Jabbeke

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 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 local OASE partner made the appropriate recommendation after consultation with experts at OASE: CyanoClear, the new, effective and fast solution against cyanobacteria and their toxins. The innovative method of action impressed the responsible parties. The sodium percarbonate contained in CyanoClear releases hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a controlled manner when it makes contact with water. This destroys the blue-green algae directly through oxidation and simultaneously neutralises the toxins formed. The results are visible very quickly: The first effects can be seen just minutes after application, and within 48 hours the impact on the dangerous toxins takes full effect. The remaining flora and fauna remain unaffected because CyanoClear breaks down after the action phase into pure, naturally occurring decomposition products that are already present in the water. A fast and extremely effective solution against acute blue-green algae bloom.  

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.

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".