A slick has been discovered off the coast of Whitehaven.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners said its team and partners are currently investigating the slick, which was spotted around the harbour and nearby coast both north and south.
The commissioners said it must be treated as a formal pollution event until it is identified – but tests have so far supported the slick being of organic origin.
It is not yet known if the slick is a natural phenomenon known as a red tide, also known as a harmful algal bloom.
Some bioluminescent plankton are associated with red tides which release toxins and can be harmful if ingested.
A video shared today by the commissioners of electric blue waves on the harbour appears to further support the slick being a possible red tide.
A spokesman said: “Early assessments by experts, quickly followed by initial sample analysis, appear to have ruled out oil and iron ochre.
“Further tests are continuing. We’ve also been told the behaviour with cooler and warmer areas of water seems to support it being organic in origin.
“As a Statutory Harbour Authority when there is any report of a possible ‘pollution’ incident we have a formal contingency plan that has to be activated, regardless of whether or not we believe it’s nothing to worry about.
“Our incident command then liaises closely with the relevant agencies, authorities and regulators, and we take our lead from them, however circumstances dictate.
“Even if most people assume it’s a natural phenomenon, until we’re officially stood down we remain on pollution response and continue to act accordingly.”
