CA23160 - Effective Lake management: reducing cyanobacteria by actions in the catchment (CYANOACTION)

The increasing occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms as a consequence of anthropogenic nutrient pollution in fresh water ecosystems threatens water security and quality worldwide for humans, animals and severely disrupts ecosystem balance. Therefore, the implementation of thorough monitoring strategies for cyanobacteria along with evaluation of the risks of bloom incidents and a plan for prevention and control measures are now required in water safety plans by water suppliers. The significant economic losses to water companies, fisheries, recreational activities and businesses caused by cyanobacterial blooms require greater attention from policymakers. A suite of in-lake control methods exists, but there is little guidance on their efficiency. Decreasing nutrient input from the catchment is crucial for long-term prevention/ reduction of blooms and would be possible by the transition towards a more sustainable low nutrient leakage agriculture, but needs implementation strategies. The proposed COST action aims to increase and broaden capabilities throughout Europe for effective and sustainable management of water resources with a catchment wide approach by creating a unique network of experts, end users and stakeholders. Gathering and distributing information on early warning detection methods and experience in the effectiveness on both long and short-term control methods will underpin Decision Support Tools for water managers and authorities ensuring selection of appropriate methods for a specific waterbody. The overarching goal is a close exchange between scientific knowledge and management practices in order to decrease cyanobacteria blooms taking into account the different characteristics of the water body and its catchment and the regulation throughout Europe.