Locals in one Merseyside have spotted a mysterious sludge washing up along the coastline.
A photograph of the sludge was snapped on Ainsdale beach and Sefton Council said they have received reports about the substance today. Some may confuse this with sewage or slurry and even though it may be unpleasant to look at and may smell bad, they are not a health hazard to swimmers or dogs.
The sludge is actually caused by tiny, naturally occurring algae, that thrive in warm weather conditions and as the algae die off, scum may start to form along the tide line. The algae is often mistaken for sewage or other pollution because of its typically brown, frothy appearance and its slight seaweed-like smell.
READ MORE : Rare photos of Sefton's beaches in all their glory
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Tidal foam is a frequent occurrence along coastlines. The foam is caused by tiny, naturally occurring algae, that thrive in warmer and windy weather conditions. The algae is often mistaken for sewage or other pollution because of its typically brown, frothy appearance.
“While this may be unpleasant to look at, it is not a health hazard to swimmers or dogs. As Sefton Council participates in the Environment Agency ‘Short Term Pollution Monitoring’ scheme, we receive daily texts and email notifications if there is suspected pollutions which may affect bathing water quality. Today’s (30/05/22) notifications are negative."
Bathing water profiles are displayed at Ainsdale and Southport beaches and people can check the bathing water quality online at https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/
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