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“Warning” Stage Issued under Algae Alert System at Samnak and Hwamyeong Water Sports Town Sites… Public Urged to Refrain from Water-Contact Activities for the Time Being

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that effective at 3:00 p.m. today, August 26, it raised the algae alert level from “Concern” to “Warning” at the Samnak and Hwamyeong Water Sports Town sites, where the algae alert system for recreational water-use areas is being operated on a pilot basis. The alert was issued by the Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City.

Measurements of harmful cyanobacterial cell counts conducted on August 18 and 24 detected 100,194 and 297,092 cells per milliliter, respectively, at the Samnak Water Sports Town site, exceeding the “Warning” threshold of 100,000 cells or more for two consecutive measurements.

At the Hwamyeong Water Sports Town site, the August 24 measurement detected 595,969 cells per milliliter, exceeding the single-measurement threshold of 500,000 cells or more and resulting in the issuance of a “Warning” alert.

The increase in cell counts is believed to have resulted from the continued presence of conditions favorable to the proliferation of harmful cyanobacteria, including high water temperatures caused by the recent heat wave, strong sunlight, and reduced flow velocity.

Following the issuance of the “Warning” stage, Busan Metropolitan City immediately posted banners at Samnak and Hwamyeong Ecological Parks announcing the prohibition of water sports and the catching and consumption of fish and shellfish. The City also plans to strengthen public guidance through announcements and on-site patrols.

Meanwhile, to ensure the safety of residents engaging in water-contact activities, Busan Metropolitan City has been operating the algae alert system for recreational water-use areas on a pilot basis at Samnak and Hwamyeong Water Sports Town since 2024.

Since May 20, the City has also applied strengthened criteria for issuing alerts. Algae alert levels are determined based on a comprehensive assessment of harmful cyanobacterial cell counts and algal toxin concentrations.

Sim Jae-min, Assistant Mayor of Environmental Water Policy Office, said, “Until the algae alert is lifted, we ask the public not to engage in water sports or catch fish and shellfish, including through fishing, or consume them in areas around Samnak and Hwamyeong Ecological Parks.”

“We will put public safety first and make every effort to respond to algal blooms and manage conditions on site,” he added.