More than ten thousand people and one thousand vessels have been mobilized to tackle the huge algae bloom in the sea area of Qingdao,the host city of Olympic sailing in East China's Shandong Province.

So far, 180,000 tons of seaweed have been removed from the water.

Senior official with local authorities Liu Chenglin said the algae cleaning work is proceeding effectively.

"We have mobilized all the strength and taken all the effective measures at hand to enhance the marine blocking and algae cleaning to guarantee the upcoming sailing events by July 15."

The algae was first detected at the end of May off the Dagong Island, well out to sea. It currently covers one-third of the 50 square kilometers to be used for the sailing events.

Wang Shulian, vice director of the city's Ocean and Fishing Bureau, elaborated the monitoring of seawater quality in the competition area.

"From June, we have initiated a daily monitoring system of the water quality in and around the sailing venue and provide daily evaluation reports, which have been released to the public."

The official added that the local government will spare no effort to ensure sound competition conditions for the sailors, who represent at least 30 countries and regions. They are currently training in the city for the Games that open in early August.