Health unit says feeding seagulls at Ottawa beaches leads to more bird poop, no swim advisories
Posted Jul 23, 2021 02:14:00 PM.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents not to feed seagulls at city beaches.
OPH says feeding the birds ends up leading to more swimming advisories, as more birds equals more of their droppings affecting water quality.
“If we all do our part, we can reduce the amount of bird poop on our beaches and in our beach water, which will lead to a safer and cleaner summer for everyone.”
Public health is also urging residents to take their garbage with them after a day at the beach, if possible, as the birds are also attracted to overflowing garbage bins.
“It's like Field of Dreams, but with poop,”tweets the health unit. “If you leave it, they will come…and they will poop.”
FOR THE 2ND TIME THIS YEAR, WE ARE TWEETING ABOUT POOP. SO MUCH FOR BEING THE CITY THAT FUN FORGOT, EH?
In fairness, this time we aren't tweeting about poop in relation to COVID.
No, this is about poop in relation to beaches.
Yes, intriguing indeed. Read on, tweeters! (1/5)
— Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) July 23, 2021
Meantime, OPH has released its daily swim advisory for Friday, July 23. Green flags are flying at Britannia, Mooney's Bay and Petrie Island River Beaches, while swimming is not recommended at Westboro Beach or Petrie Island East Bay.
Swim: Britannia, Mooney's Bay, Petrie Island River Beaches
Swimming not recommended: Westboro, Petrie Island East Bay #OttNews #WithinArmsReach
More info: https://t.co/yUlzoitb5H pic.twitter.com/qw7WrWgQZt
— Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) July 23, 2021
