But work to tackle the risks of harmful algae is spurring breakthroughs that will help combat the growing problem in the rivers and lakes of the protected wetland.

Pyrmnesium algal blooms can devastate fish populations and other aquatic species, with have huge ramifications for the health of the Broads environment.

Thousands of fish were killed following an algal bloom in 2015 at Martham on the Thurne (Image: Newsquest)

It can create 'dead zones' due to the plants starving habitats of oxygen and by releasing harmful toxins.

Experts at the University of East Anglia (UEA) who have studied the effect of the plant on the waterways say higher temperatures can cause blooms to increase.

With a warming climate bringing more extreme and hotter weather to the region, the danger is growing.

Views across Hickling Broad (Image: Newsquest)

Nutrients in our rivers from human and agricultural waste, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, have also been blamed on increasing algae growth.

Eco-laws have been introduced to limit excess nutrients, which has halted thousands of new developments in the........

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