Greenpeace have put three billboards into the algae-filled Selwyn River calling for the Government to cap fertiliser use as part of its upcoming freshwater reforms. Bright red billboards calling for action to clean up the country's rivers cut a striking contrast to the green toxic algae of Canterbury's Selwyn River. Greenpeace/Supplied One of the causes of the algae in the Selwyn River is nutrients from fertiliser, but there is more than one cause. READ MORE:* The turning point for Canterbury's Selwyn River* Dairy NZ: economy could be 'significantly harmed' under freshwater reforms* Toxic bacteria found in Canterbury's Selwyn River* Three billboards outside Ashburton, CanterburyThe algae in the Selwyn is phormidium, a type of cyanobacteria or slime which is toxic to humans and other animals. Sections of the Selwyn River have had algae warnings in place since December, something which has become an annual occurrence in recent years.

Source: Stuff February 13, 2020 04:41 UTC