After noticing algal blooms near piers northeast of Wilmington, N.C., authorities concerned on Thursday issued an advisory. As per the advisory, people should make sure that children and pets remain away from discolored water as it may contain toxic algae.

According to the advisory, people can do boating and fishing in the affected areas. Water quality samples are being taken from different areas to assess the algal level. Algae are considered to be beneficial for an ecosystem, but large algal blooms can prove harmful for humans as well as for the aquatic wildlife.

"When hot temperatures and calm water combine with nutrient-rich waters, large algal blooms may form that can produce toxins that pose a human health hazard", affirmed state Division of Water Resources.

The algae blooms may also reduce oxygen available for fish and other aquatic animals. For now, officials have not confirmed algae bloom presence in the Cape Fear River and Lake Tabor. At Lake Tabor, swimming advisories have been posted on precautionary basis.

The N.C. Division of Water Resources said algae blooms have been found owing to hot weather. The division is working with the state public health officials, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and staff from UNC-Wilmington to find the areas that have been facing the problem of algal blooms. North Carolina has not come across reports of ill health effects in humans due to algal blooms.

Recommendations by state health officials include: No touching large mats of algae; avoiding cooking or eating dead fish and if one comes come across an algal bloom then washing oneself thoroughly.