The waters around today 's Canary islands have yielded evidence of a toxic microalgae , which has thrived on warmer sea temperatures and iron - rich dust clouds from the Sahara . While the phenomenon has been described as natural and temporary , tourists have been warned the algae contains a toxin which can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis . The Juan Aleman , director of public health for the Canaries , warned tourists to avoid contact with the algae .
The waters around Spain's Canary Islands have seen blooms of a toxic microalgae, which has thrived on warmer sea temperatures and iron-rich dust clouds from the Sahara. While the phenomenon has been described as natural and temporary, tourists have been warned the algae contains a toxin which can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis. The Juan Aleman, director of public health for the Canaries, urged people to avoid contact with the algae.