It’s actually the same song every year in Den Helder: blue-green algae in the canals. Not really a nice sight, but it is mainly the smell that causes a nuisance. Restaurateur Georges Hanna is extremely disappointed, because most tourists pass by his terrace because of the stench caused by the blue-green algae.
One person describes the smell as ‘something close to rotting eggs’, while another describes it as a sickly stench. “It is a very strong smell,” says restaurateur Hanna. “Very nasty actually.” The terrace of his restaurant is located right along the canal in Willemsoord, exactly at the height of an area where blue-green algae is rampant. “It is a recurring problem,” said the entrepreneur. When asked whether it costs him turnover, the answer is: “I think so, yes.” And indeed, despite the beautiful weather, his terrace is completely empty.
But residents also experience nuisance, especially those whose houseboats are surrounded by the green stuff. “It certainly doesn’t smell like flowers,” says Cor Meerman. “I think it is mainly because there is not enough flow here in Den Helder.”
Reason for a somewhat older neighbor to ensure some flow herself. 86 years old or not, she bravely tries to generate some flow with her grass rake. “Flushing it breathes life into it,” she says. “And then it moves on a bit. But hey, I can’t stand raking all day.” However, old age does not necessarily come with disadvantages. “I think I’m getting a little old,” she laughs. “I don’t smell it that bad.”
The municipality says it is doing its best
The municipality has announced that it is doing its best to combat the blue-green algae, for example by skimming it off with a kind of suction system. According to restaurant owner Hanna, that helps, but he would like to see the municipality not wait so long to combat it. “Why do they have to intervene so late? Why can’t they intervene sooner?”