Cyanowatch project: four photos win awards

The Cyanowatch project is a participatory science initiative dedicated to improving the monitoring of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. As part of the project, a competition was organized to reward users who reported the presence of these undesirable microorganisms in Luxembourg's bathing waters in 2023, using the Bloomin' Algae app.

The jury, composed of the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), the Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE), the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the Haute-Sûre Nature Park, was responsible for selecting the winning photos from the many submissions sent in. The selection criteria focused on both the visual quality of the photographs and the value of the reportage. These shots, taken by the general public, provided LIST researchers with crucial information for the operational monitoring of cyanobacteria.

The aim of the Cyanowatch project is to increase our knowledge of cyanobacteria blooms so that we can better manage and predict the risk to users of bodies of water, and ultimately counter the phenomenon.

In recognition of their outstanding contribution to this scientific project, the authors of the winning photos will be rewarded with local products provided by the Haute-Sûre Nature Park. This initiative underlines the importance of active public participation in the preservation of bathing water quality, and strengthens the link between science and society.

The winners are:

• 1st place: Philip Bertemes: cyanobacteria bloom at Rommwiss beach, Lac de la Haute-Sûre, October 11, 2023;
• 2nd place: Monique Spanier: cyanobacteria bloom in a pond in the Crauthem region, September 11, 2023;
• 3rd place: Manon Sagramola: cyanobacterial bloom in the Erliefnis Baggerweier swimming pond, Remerschen, October 4, 2023.

A special mention goes to Jean-Marc Plesséria for his photo of an accumulation of cyanobacteria taken at a depth of two meters at Insenborn in the Lac de la Haute-Sûre, on October 22, 2023.

About the Cyanowatch project

Cyanowatch (Developing an enhanced monitoring and reporting framework for harmful CYANObacteria in WATer through a citizen-centred collaborative approach) is a citizen science project led by LIST, in collaboration with AGE. Its aim is to actively involve aquatic resource users in reporting cyanobacteria blooms in Luxembourg bathing waters, as well as in the Moselle or any other body of water affected by this phenomenon. Using the free Bloomin' Algae mobile application, all users - whether or not they engage in recreational activities on the site - can take part in the monitoring effort by submitting their observations and photos to LIST researchers, who will examine and validate them. Observations for the 2023 season can be viewed on the interactive map on the project website.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: baignade@eau.etat.lu

About the Administration de la Gestion de l'EAU

Since its creation in 2004, AGE, under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, has been responsible for ensuring the sustainable and integrated management of water resources in Luxembourg. AGE's work, in collaboration with a large number of partners, includes the supervision of drinking water supplies, the monitoring and protection of surface water and groundwater, and integrated flood risk management. AGE also coordinates wastewater treatment planning, deals with accidental water pollution, flood forecasting and water-related permits. Another important task for AGE is to represent Luxembourg on international river commissions and at European level.

About the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, and its mission is to develop competitive and market-oriented prototypes of products and services for public and private stakeholders.

With nearly 680 employees, 77% of whom are researchers or innovators from all over the world, LIST is active in the fields of information technology, materials, space resources and the environment, and works across the entire innovation chain, from basic and applied research to technology incubation and transfer.

By transforming scientific knowledge into intelligent technologies, data and tools, LIST:

• helps European citizens make informed choices
• helps public authorities make decisions
• encourages companies to develop

Press release from the Administration de la gestion de l'eau / Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)