Blue-Green Algae Bloom on Black Lake
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 10:07 am
We are into our season of the widespread growth and prevalence of algal blooms. While most blooms are the harmless and important Green Algae, Black Lake does have occasional blooms of Blue-Green Algae. This actually is not algae, but a Cyanobacteria that contains chlorophyll; Cyanobacteria produces its 'food' via photosynthesis just like Green Algae, a true algae does.
The Black Lake Association, participates in the Citizens' Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP). Our trained Black Lake volunteer, samples our lake every two weeks throughout the warm season and submits those samples to a DEC-certified analytical laboratory. One of the things they test for, is the type of Blue-Green Algae that would signify that there is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). When a HAB (Cyanobacteria) is present they then test for the presence of toxins. Some Blue-Green Algae can, at certain times, and under the right conditions, release very toxic substances into the water. Elevated levels of these toxins can cause illness in humans, pets and livestock.
We received results from our most recent submitted sample which indicated a HAB. Since the blooms occur and disappear quickly and are moved around by wind and wave action the important thing for visitors and residents to know is contained in THIS official DEC statement:
" The sampling results from the shoreline bloom sample at Black Lake, collected on 7/11/2016, confirmed the presence of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), based on blue green chlorophyll a levels of 106 micrograms per liter (well above the DEC HAB threshold of 25-30 micrograms per liter) and a microscopic analysis of Microcystis and Anabaena: two cyanobacteria taxa capable of producing toxins. The toxin results for this bloom are below detectable limits, but subsequent sampling of this bloom may show detectable toxins at a high level which present an elevated risk to people and/or pets exposed to the bloom zone waters.
However, even if toxin levels are low, lake residents and visitors should avoid exposure to surface scums, heavily discolored water, and green streaks or dense concentration of green globs or dots. In addition, people should seek medical assistance if any HAB exposure symptoms (nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rashes….) are experienced, and should contact the local Health Department to report these symptoms."
Avoid areas of ALL algal blooms of all types--they're unpleasant for swimming, waterskiing and fishing. Avoid eating fish caught in a bloom area. The vast area of Black Lake is safe water to fish and swim in--HABs are usually localized and at this time there is no indication of a widespread HAB bloom--that is unlikely. Forewarned is forearmed. Boat safely, enjoy the lake and its fishery, have fun with your friends and family and please come back and share this beautiful resource with our Black Lake family.
Rich Henderson, Board Member of the Black Lake Association, Inc.
President, New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Inc.
The Black Lake Association, participates in the Citizens' Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP). Our trained Black Lake volunteer, samples our lake every two weeks throughout the warm season and submits those samples to a DEC-certified analytical laboratory. One of the things they test for, is the type of Blue-Green Algae that would signify that there is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). When a HAB (Cyanobacteria) is present they then test for the presence of toxins. Some Blue-Green Algae can, at certain times, and under the right conditions, release very toxic substances into the water. Elevated levels of these toxins can cause illness in humans, pets and livestock.
We received results from our most recent submitted sample which indicated a HAB. Since the blooms occur and disappear quickly and are moved around by wind and wave action the important thing for visitors and residents to know is contained in THIS official DEC statement:
" The sampling results from the shoreline bloom sample at Black Lake, collected on 7/11/2016, confirmed the presence of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), based on blue green chlorophyll a levels of 106 micrograms per liter (well above the DEC HAB threshold of 25-30 micrograms per liter) and a microscopic analysis of Microcystis and Anabaena: two cyanobacteria taxa capable of producing toxins. The toxin results for this bloom are below detectable limits, but subsequent sampling of this bloom may show detectable toxins at a high level which present an elevated risk to people and/or pets exposed to the bloom zone waters.
However, even if toxin levels are low, lake residents and visitors should avoid exposure to surface scums, heavily discolored water, and green streaks or dense concentration of green globs or dots. In addition, people should seek medical assistance if any HAB exposure symptoms (nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rashes….) are experienced, and should contact the local Health Department to report these symptoms."
Avoid areas of ALL algal blooms of all types--they're unpleasant for swimming, waterskiing and fishing. Avoid eating fish caught in a bloom area. The vast area of Black Lake is safe water to fish and swim in--HABs are usually localized and at this time there is no indication of a widespread HAB bloom--that is unlikely. Forewarned is forearmed. Boat safely, enjoy the lake and its fishery, have fun with your friends and family and please come back and share this beautiful resource with our Black Lake family.
Rich Henderson, Board Member of the Black Lake Association, Inc.
President, New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Inc.