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Reduction of Algal Blooms at Samnak and Hwamyeong Water Leisure Towns… Algal Bloom Alert Downgraded to “Caution”

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced today (September 25) that the algal bloom alert issued for Samnak and Hwamyeong Water Leisure Towns in the Nakdong River waterfront zones has been downgraded from “Warning” to “Caution.”

This downgrade comes 21 days after the City had issued the “Warning” level on September 4.

Based on the “Harmful Cyanobacteria Cell Count Measurement Results” conducted on September 15 and 22, the City lowered the alert level to “Caution” and eased restrictions on water activities from “Prohibited” to “Refrain.”

At the Samnak Water Leisure Town point, the cyanobacteria cell counts were measured at 38,542 cells/mL and 4,271 cells/mL, respectively. At the Hwamyeong Water Leisure Town point, the counts were 31,251 cells/mL and 3,256 cells/mL.

In the waterfront zones, an algal bloom alert is issued when the “Harmful Cyanobacteria Cell Count” exceeds 20,000 cells/mL in two consecutive measurements for “Caution” or exceeds 100,000 cells/mL for “Warning.”

Starting this year, an additional criterion has been introduced: if the harmful cyanobacteria cell count exceeds 500,000 cells/mL in a single measurement, a “Warning” is issued.

Lee Byung-seok, Director General of the Environmental Water Policy Office, stated, “Due to recent frequent rainfall and falling temperatures, algae blooms are expected to subside significantly. However, since the ‘Caution’ level alert remains in effect, we urge citizens to refrain from water leisure activities and fishing or consuming shellfish at Samnak and Hwamyeong Ecological Parks until the alert is lifted.” He added, “The City will continue public awareness and guidance activities through banners, announcements, and on-site patrols.”