A pan-Canadian comparison of cyanobacteria bloom management policies, programs, and practices

Across the globe, reports of cyanobacteria blooms are on the rise. The increasing occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms and cyanotoxins is attributed to phosphorous (P) loading, climate change, among a mix of other factors. While eutrophic lakes have a higher risk of blooms, oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes are also experiencing blooms. This means governments’ need to develop a robust cyanobacteria management strategy (prevent, control, and mitigate) to protect public health. In Canada, water management is a shared responsibility among the federal, provincial, and local governments; however, cyanobacteria management is mainly a provincial and local government responsibility. This research compares and contrasts five provincial cyanobacteria management strategies from Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Using a policy analysis framework, the methods of data collection include a review of grey and academic literature, legislation/regulations, and interviews with actors involved in cyanobacteria bloom management in each province. Also, three case studies – Lake Erie, Ontario; Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Pigeon Lake, Alberta – were selected to analyze the policies and programs in practice. A robust cyanobacteria management strategy involves prevention, control, and mitigation to avoid public health risks. All jurisdictions in Canada have initiatives to manage cyanobacteria blooms. Nutrient management continues to be the cornerstone of bloom prevention by controlling point and diffuse sources of P runoff control. Nutrient management mostly relies on voluntary participation, so reductions in nutrient loading are heavily dependent on financial incentives, and education and outreach programs; however, there is little to no understanding or tracking of implementation. Also, P control will not reduce the risk of blooms in low P lakes. Monitoring programs and targets should include dissolved oxygen. Public health risks associated with cyanotoxins are mitigated through public reporting or monitoring drinking water sources and recreational waters. The monitoring and reporting programs vary by province. For instance, certain drinking water sources and recreational waterbodies are routinely monitored, whereas in other provinces sampling is driven by public reporting.