After Finistère, the orange tide could touch the Morbihan

In Moëlan and Carnoët, bathers did not believe their eyes when they saw small orange waves breaking. Pollution? No. According to Ifremer's badysis of Concarneau, "this coloration is due to the proliferation of a phytoplankton species Noctiluca scintillans" .

This is a species of algae that is part of the bioluminescent phytoplankton.

This is actually a bioluminescent alga that emits light. So at night, when you put your hand in the sea water, it emits a blue fluorescence. This phytoplankton is commonly observed in summer in Brittany, especially when the water is hot and there is no wind or large tide.

It is not dangerous but some bathers complained of itching . Better then take a shower after swimming.

The coast north of Morbihan could be affected

South Finistère was hit first and the "orange tide" could descend to Morbihan. On Saturday afternoon, the mayors of the area (Lorient, Guidel, Ploemeur, Larmor-Plage and Port Louis) were informed of the risk. Supervisory posts look after the situation.

The prefecture gives some advice to the general public:

• Do not bathe in areas where algae have accumulated
• Take a shower after bathing
• Prevent children from ingesting sea ​​water
• Avoid walking on areas of phytoplankton deposition
• Do not consume shellfish, crustaceans and fish from the area