Between the municipalities Eslöv, Hoor and Hörby lies the lake which once was called the Pearl of Skåne; Ringsjön. Across Öresund lies lake Sjaelsoe, which is also shared by three municipalities, Allerød, Hørsholm and Rudersdal. Both lakes have for a long period of time had major problems with harmful algae blooms due to eutrophication from agriculture, sewage treatment plants and sewage systems. The excess inflow of nutrients to the lake has distorted the natural balance. This has led to frequent algal blooms and strong imbalance in the fish stock. This, in turn, led to severe restrictions in areas such as bathing and deteriorating fishing opportunities. The poor water quality is also spreading to rivers downstream and affect great natural and recreational values. All the way out to the sea.

To push the quality of water towards meeting EU requirements and create conditions for local and regional development, the methods of lake restoration will have to be developed further. This can, with advantage, be carried out in a joint effort throughout the Oresund region since lakes on both sides of the strait have very similar conditions. However, today there is not much communication about this kind of work.

Alagae Be Gone! will enable joint analysis, development and streamlining of the most important methods, biomanipulation (reduction of white fish stock) and other methods, such as aluminium treatment. New innovative methods and theories need to be developed and tested in practice. Current practices need to evolve to reduce bycatch of predatory fish. Algae Be Gone! will also look into ways to use the large amount of caught white fish in a rational and sustainable manner, e.g. biogas or consumption.

Since biomanipulation in the long run is associated with high costs, the cost-effectiveness must increase and real results must be visible in a shorter timeframe.

The experiences gathered during the project will be useful, not only within the region, but also for the European Community. The development of the implementation of EU laws into national legislation, and the local administration is carried out in cooperation between Sweden and Denmark.

In all the municipalities involved, this is a political priority. It is part of local long-term plans to restore the lakes in order to sustainably secure an attractive environment in and around the lakes and thus regain natural areas that attract visitors and increase the values as residential and recreational areas. The consequential effect of this is an increase in business development in the areas.