Rowers on the River Po in Turin are battling vast blooms of algae, as high temperatures in northwest Italy and runoff from farms create ideal conditions for rampant plant growth.

Italy is stepping up efforts to clear thick algae from the River Po in Turin after weeks of high temperatures accelerated its spread along the country’s longest river.

Rowers on the River Po in Turin are battling vast blooms of algae, as high temperatures in northwest Italy and runoff from farms create ideal conditions for rampant plant growth.