Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) in inland and inshore waters: assessment and minimumisation of risks to public health. Revised guidance

This is the first revision of the guidance document under the same title that was published by the Scottish Executive Health Department in 2002. The approach advocated for managing the risks to human and animal health of exposure to blue-green algal toxins continues to centre on production and implementation of “Local Action Plans”. These should be co-ordinated by the NHS Boards in Scotland and should be agreed by the various stakeholders identified herein. This document includes guidance on the content and structure of these Local Action Plans and should be regarded as a resource to assist in their production, as well as fulfilling the requirements of Article8 (Cyanobacterial risks)of the Bathing Waters Directive(2006/7/EC). The Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) proposes to review and, if necessary, reissue this guidance document every five years. However, it is recognized that the value of this guidance lies in its practical implementation. The SEHD would therefore welcome feedback, which should be addressed to the SEHD’s Scientific Adviser at St Andrew‘s House, Edinburgh EH13DG. Should this feedback indicate a specific need, then a further version of this guidance will be produced sooner.