Bay of Plenty Regional Council are warning the public to steer clear of benthic cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae.

They can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, with its musty smell particularly attractive to passing dogs.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council scientist James Dare says the Regional Council have recently been alerted to potential growth in rivers around Whakatane and Opotiki, but this report has yet to be confirmed.

According to independent science organisation the Cawthron Institute, exposing skin to the algae can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and mouth, and if swallowed, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea and potentially death if a lethal dose is consumed.

'The greater the amount of toxic algae and the longer the time spent in the water, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be.”

They say wearing a wetsuit will not protect you and may cause severe irritation around the collar and cuffs.

If a dog is suspected to have eaten the algae, a vet needs to be contacted to have its stomach pumped, or in extreme cases the dog could die in 30 minutes.

An investigation by the BOPRC in 2020 indicated three higher risk areas for cyanobacteria: the Whakatane River catchment (including the Tauranga River), rivers on the north western side of Tauranga Harbour (north of Omokoroa), and the Galetea basin.

According to the council, the algae is naturally occurring however can bloom to nuisance levels in hot dry conditions.

James says the algae is commonly found on the bottom of ‘hard-bottomed' streams, is common throughout the summer months, when warmer temperatures and low river flows contribute to higher growth rates.

It appears as large brown or black leathery mats growing on the bottom of streams, which can dislodge over time and wash up on the banks.

BOPRC urge anyone who sees any of the algae to contact them with a photo and location, for them to investigate.