“Ostreopsis Ovata.” At first glance, this word probably means nothing to you. It is the name of the algae that regularly causes problems each year for fishermen and swimmers on the Mediterranean coast. It settled in July 2005 on the Genoese coast in Italy, and in 2006 off Marseille.
Since July 2009, it is near Villefranche-sur-Mer that “Ostreopsis Ovata” has been causing trouble. The Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture thus banned sea urchin fishing in the area on August 11, 2009. It was also recommended that the public not consume crustaceans and shellfish from Villefranche-sur-Mer.
This algae produces a toxin, palytoxin, which if inhaled can cause colds, coughs, fever, and respiratory disturbances. The symptoms decrease within 24 to 48 hours without causing serious complications. “Ostreopsis Ovata” also contaminates fish and shellfish, which can cause food poisoning if consumed.
The prefecture has taken such measures, but no significant health problems related to the presence of this algae have yet been observed in France.
Concerning Swimming
Since the appearance of the “Ostreopsis Ovata” algae, regular water analyses have been carried out by the Oceanographic Laboratory of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
In July, the prefecture had to ban access to the beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer known as “des jeunes” for twelve days due to algae. The same beach was closed between August 11 and 12. Initial analyses by the laboratory revealed an algae concentration level above the alert threshold (it is 100,000 cells/liter). Upon verification, the laboratory found a non-dangerous concentration level.
According to scientists, the proliferation of this algae is partly caused by global warming.
