Later today man-made islands will be floated on Engine Pool, one of the Earlswood Lakes in the West Midlands, in the fight against deadly blue-green algae. The islands will provide a refuge for microscopic food creatures.
The islands, designed by British Waterways environmentalists, are made of reeds and measure over 230 sq metres (2,470 sq ft). They are funded by the Earlswood Lakes Partnership and SITA Environmental Trust – which provides cash from the Government’s landfill tax credit scheme.
Blue green algae is known to cause allergic reactions such as eye irritation, dermatitis and hay fever-like symptoms.
The aim at Engine Pool is control of the algae with maximum benefit for wildlife and minimum impact on anglers.
Clare Guy, British Waterways Water Quality Scientist, said: “The roots of the reeds provide a perfect habitat for tiny animals which feed on algae.
“Zooplankton – minute aquatic creatures such as waterfleas – need the reed roots to hide from predators like fish. Engine Pool is a popular and well stocked carp fishery.
“The reed roots will be protected by mesh with small holes that allow zooplankton to move in and out of the area, but prevent fish from getting in.
“There has been little research in this area and the Earlswood project will be monitored regularly by the Centre for Aquatic Plant Management.
“We believe that this innovative scheme could be a major new way of controlling blue green algae.”
Zooplankton normally finds refuge in plants at the bottom and margins of the lake, but Engine Pool is also a reservoir feeding the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and fluctuating water levels have caused problems for plants favoured by zooplankton.
The new reed islands will be anchored by chains to maintain their position.
British Waterways said they were a sustainable solution providing additional habitat for other species including nesting birds, dragonflies and damselflies.
The islands will be undisturbed by anglers because they float in the centre of the pool.
British Waterways cares for 2,000 miles of inland waterways nationwide, including lakes and reservoirs.
