Melo Villareal
The Truth About Green Algae in Boracay
As the vibrant hues of summer return to Boracay Island, it’s that time of year again—algae season. If you’ve found yourself reading this, it’s likely in search of insights and answers regarding this natural phenomenon.
Green Algae in Boracay
The enchanting island of Boracay stands as one of the world’s most stunning, picturesque, and romantic destinations. With its breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, and soft, powdery white sand, it has long captured the hearts of travelers seeking paradise. However, the island now faces a pressing challenge as an alarming surge of algae threatens to tarnish its idyllic beach views and crystalline waters. In this blog, we will delve into the causes behind this burgeoning algae problem, explore its far-reaching effects on the local environment and tourism industry, and discuss a range of solutions to restore and preserve the island’s natural splendor.
What would you do upon arriving at the renowned white beach, only to be greeted by a sprawling carpet of vibrant green algae instead of the pristine, crystal-clear waters you had imagined? I must confess, my heart sank at the sight. Just like other eager tourists, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me as I took in the stark contrast between the once-powdery white sand and the unsettling, thick layer of algae that obscured the beauty beneath. The enchanting landscape that was promised seemed to vanish, replaced by a surreal, unexpected tableau.
If you’re curious about the source of these green algae, let me share some information from local residents and helpful websites.If you’re curious about the source of these green algae, let me share some information from local residents and helpful websites.
What season do algal (algae) blooms occur in Boracay?
Whether we like it or not, the beautiful white sands of Boracay will be partially covered by green moss or algae (known as “lumot” in Tagalog), particularly from February to March. This moss will gradually disappear by mid to late May.
What causes the proliferation of algae in Boracay?
In 1997, Boracay faced contamination from fecal coliform. Local tourism officers reported that research indicated the contamination was caused by untreated human waste flowing into the sea, which was entirely unrelated to green algae.
The algae that bloom along White Beach in the calm season, bright green species of Chaetomorpha, Ulva, and Enteromorpha, are such strong indicators of very high nutrient pollution that they are typically found around sewage outfalls.
They bloom every calm season along White Beach but die back in the rough season because waves dilute nutrients to lower levels and wash away the algae, and the suspended sediments reduce the light levels.
Although the problem appears to have gone away after a few months, the impacts will quickly become visible again in the next calm season.
Algae are aquatic plants that grow in various shapes and sizes. They usually inhabit shallow, nutrient-rich waters and thrive in warm climates. Algae are an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem, providing food and shelter to various organisms such as fish and microorganisms.
Algae have been a problem in Boracay for decades. However, the situation has worsened in recent years due to unsustainable practices such as overfishing, sewage discharge, and coastal development. These activities have caused an increase in the number of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water, leading to algae blooms. The proliferation of algae has caused the water to turn a dark green color, making it difficult for tourists to enjoy the island’s clear waters.
The leading cause of the algae problem in Boracay is the excess nutrients in the water. This is due to the area’s lack of proper waste management and sewage treatment practices. Sewage and other forms of waste are discharged directly into the sea, increasing nitrogen and phosphorus levels. This provides an ideal environment for algae to thrive.
The tourist industry has also significantly impacted the proliferation of algae. The increased number of visitors to the island has led to a high demand for food and accommodation, resulting in the construction of more hotels and restaurants. This has caused a surge in the amount of wastewater produced, leading to further nutrient pollution in the water. Additionally, the large number of boats operating in the area has caused sedimentation, contributing to the algae problem.
These algal blooms are not new since long-term residents claim that they used to take place seasonally as long as 25 years ago when there was little development on Boracay. At that time, the significant sources of nutrients were groundwater discharges from the wetlands, but as sewage inputs built up, the blooms became more prominent and longer lasting. Now that all the hotels and houses along White Beach must be hooked up to the sewage system (except those denied connection because the system is overloaded), their nutrients flow to the other side of the island instead of flowing onto the White Beach side.
However, the algae blooms along White Beach have not gone away. The seasonal blooms are due to the uncontrolled explosion of population growth in the interior of the island, whose sewage is not connected to the sewage system. Septic tank discharges maintain very high nutrient levels in the groundwater, which flow into the sea at every low tide.
Interestingly, there is a widespread but entirely false local misconception that these green algae blooms “turn into sand.” That is entirely incorrect; these are soft weedy species that produce no sand at all. The sand is primarily produced by a completely different group of algae, Halimeda, and other algae species that make small limestone grains that become beach sand when they die.
These algae live further from the shore, but these “good” algae, which build the beach, are intolerant of high nutrients because they are overgrown and killed by the “bad” algae whenever the worthless weed algae species are over-fertilized by sewage.
Source – Global Coral Reef Alliance
Some residents believe these green algae naturally dry up when exposed to sunlight.
Are algae in Boracay normal?
What causes green algae on the beach? Algae blooms in Boracay, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, have been a recurring issue in recent years. Algae blooms are a natural phenomenon that can occur when there is an excess of nutrients, such as phosphorous and nitrogen, in the water.
These nutrients can come from various sources, including sewage and agricultural runoff. While algae blooms are not necessarily harmful to humans, they can be unsightly and impact tourism and local businesses. Efforts to address the issue include reducing pollution and implementing proper waste management practices.
What month do algae appear in Boracay?
The appearance of algae in Boracay can vary depending on several factors, including weather conditions, water flow, and nutrient levels. However, it’s reported that the blooms are most common from June to October, corresponding to the rainy season in the Philippines.
This is when heavy rainfall can wash pollutants and excess nutrients into the sea, providing the ideal conditions for algae to grow. However, it’s important to note that the appearance of algae blooms can also happen in other months, and the causes are still under investigation.
When to go to avoid green algae?
Frequent tourists recommend the months of November, December, and January if you want to avoid seeing algae blooms on Boracay shores.
The effects of Algae on the environment
Algae blooms can devastate the environment, causing a decrease in water quality and biodiversity. Algae consume large amounts of oxygen, leading to oxygen-depleted waters that can harm fish and other aquatic organisms. The algae can also block sunlight from reaching the coral reefs, decreasing the coral’s growth and health. Moreover, the decomposition of algae can lead to increased levels of hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to humans and animals.
The effects of Algae on the tourism industry
The proliferation of algae has also hurt the tourism industry in Boracay. The murky green waters make it difficult for tourists to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches, decreasing visitor numbers. Additionally, the algae can cause a decrease in water quality, making it difficult for tourists to swim in the ocean. This has resulted in a decline in the island’s tourism revenue.
How to manage Algae in Boracay
Managing the algae problem in Boracay requires a multi-faceted approach. The most effective way to tackle the issue is to reduce the number of nutrients entering the water. This can be done by implementing better waste management practices and improving sewage treatment. Additionally, the local community should be encouraged to practice sustainable fishing practices, reduce coastal development, and reduce the number of boats operating in the area.
Government Initiatives in tackling Algae in Boracay
The government has been working hard to tackle the algae problem in Boracay. In 2018, the government launched a multi-million dollar initiative to reduce the number of nutrients entering the water. This initiative included the installation of advanced sewage treatment systems, the creation of artificial reefs, and the development of sustainable fisheries. Additionally, the government has banned certain fishing practices, such as trawling, and has increased penalties for illegal dumping.
The Role of the local community in Managing Algae
The local community has a vital role in reducing the number of algae in Boracay. The community should be educated on the effects of their actions on the environment and encouraged to practice sustainable fishing and waste management practices. Additionally, the community should be encouraged to use natural fertilizers and reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff in the water. Finally, the local community should be encouraged to report illegal dumping or fishing practices to the authorities.
Sustainable Practices to Reduce Algae in Boracay
Sustainable practices are crucial to reducing the number of algae in Boracay. These practices include better waste management practices. Finally, using advanced water filtration systems can help remove the algae from the water, decreasing their numbers.
Tips on How to Protect Boracay’s Water Quality
- Avoid urinating while swimming at the beach
- Too much application of sunblock lotions
- Report establishments that do not have a proper wastewater disposal
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