José Pacheco said the analysis by the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute showed the toxin they identified did not cause intoxication in humans.

Given these results, José Pacheco told the maritime authorities and local councils that they could lift the warning against bathing between Ilha Deserta (Faro) and Açoteias beach in Albufeira).

However, people are still advised not to swim in areas where the concentration of the algae is highest.

Photo kindly supplied by: Philipa Teixeira