Harmful Algal Blooms

Blue Green Algal Bloom in Lake Okeechobee

SFWMD field report (4/23/08) on the Lake Okeechobee blue green algae bloom….


The photos were taken on April 23, 2008 in the Pahokee Marina by the South Florida Water Management District.

There was a green flecky water column bloom at all of the southern stations we visited (Pahokee, Clewiston, L005 and including LZ40). By visual guess I’d say it was strongest at Pahokee and Clewiston. Also there was the very prevalent bloom in the Pahokee marina. All secchis at these southern stations were 0.3m, with the exception of LZ40 which was 0.1m.

The northern stations were much better, with no visual blooms. The best secchi was at IP Canal (0.7m), next best at Kissimmee (0.6m) and then Taylor Creek (0.5m). Overall secchis averaged 0.43m and secchi/depth ratio averaged 0.34m.

For more information from Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission on blue-green algae blooms in Florida, follow these links:

Cyanobacteria in Florida Surface Water Resources

Microcystis in the Environment and its Health Effects