River tour companies ignore algal bloom warning

Kayakers and white water rafters are ignoring warnings to stay out of the Kaituna River following an outbreak of toxic algal bloom.

Commercial rafting operators, angered by what they claim is a lack of information on the threat to river users, are demanding an urgent meeting with public health officials to discuss the issue.

Bay of Plenty Medical Officer of Health Phil Shoemack last Friday extended the warning for lakes Rotoehu and Rotoiti to include the river after tests showed a high level of cyanobacteria in its upper portions.

River users, including commercial rafting companies, were emailed in the afternoon to advise of the health threat posed by the toxins, which affected the Kaituna River for the first time last year.

However, several rafting and kayaking companies who were not on the distribution list only found out about the health warning from a newspaper report.

Representatives from each company have met to discuss the health warning and its implications for the industry.

Cyanobacteria, better known as blue green algae, has plagued the region's waterways since the early 1990s.

Skin contact with the water, or drinking it, can lead to a variety of problems from rashes and asthma attacks to problems with the liver and nervous systems.

Dr Shoemack said although people should take notice of the plan they could not ban anyone from entering the water.

He stressed commercial operators were contacted about the algal bloom as soon as health officials were notified by Environment Bay of Plenty which conducts water quality tests.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)