Blue Green Algae: We've Been Slimed

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - July 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Blue green algae been all over the news. As we hit the rainy season of June, Lake Okeechobee's water level began to rise. Concerned with these rising water levels, federal managers released some of the water into the ocean. The nutrient rich water and summer heat provided perfect conditions for a bloom of "Blue-Green Algae". This algae has caused an uproar around the state and has become national news.

With our love of the ocean, Island Water Sports wants to break down the facts of this declared "state of emergency" and tell you what you can do to stay safe and help save our waterways for future generations.

WHAT IS BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Also called "cyanobacteria," this stinky, foamy scum is defined by the Florida Department of Health as "tiny organisms naturally found in water, sometimes producing toxins." Although they are most closely related to other bacteria, these organisms can photosynthesize like green plants and reproduce rapidly in bodies of water with large amounts of sunlight, high air/water temperatures and excess levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.

Blue-green algae can be found all over the world, and occurs in Florida's freshwater and brackish habitats, such as lakes, rivers and estuaries. Blue-green algae is common throughout the United States. Some, but not all, blue-green algae can produce toxins that can contribute to environmental problems and affect public health.Scientists know little about what causes the algae to produce toxins.

IS LAKE OKEECHOBEE WATER POLLUTED OR "TOXIC"?
Biologists from Audubon Florida, the United States Geological Survey office in Orlando and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were interviewed by the Palm Beach Post (http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/weather/is-lake-o-wat...) and said Lake Okeechobee water is not polluted or toxic. However, the lake does have too much non-toxic phosphorous and nitrogen from human activities, which lead to blue-green algae blooms.

According to the Palm Beach Post article, Paul Gray, a lake expert for Audubon Florida, said the goal for Lake Okeechobee is a level of 40 parts per billion of phosphorous. However, recent levels have been between 100 and 200 parts per billion. Although, this is level is nothing to be highly alarmed about, the high phosphorous levels makes blue-green algae blooms a pertinent threat.

HOW CAN I STAY SAFE AND STILL ENJOY THE WATER?
• Avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface. This includes, but is not limited to: swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, skimboarding, snorkeling, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc.
• If contact does occur, immediately wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.
• Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain other bacteria, parasites or viruses, as well as toxins that could cause illness if consumed.
• Do not fish from lakes where algal scum is present, and do not eat fish caught in areas where blue-green algae is in bloom.

ARE BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BLOOMS A NEW PROBLEM?
No. Evidence suggests that blue-green algae have been around for generations. Recorded blue-green algae blooms date back to the 12th century. Toxic effects to livestock have been documented for more than 100 years. However, the frequency and duration of blooms are increasing in some waters as a result of increased nutrient concentrations. Nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, can be carried into water bodies as a result of many human activities, including agriculture, discharge of untreated sewage, and increased use of phosphorus-based fertilizers and detergents. (see more here (http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/bluegreenalgae/))

The occurrence of blue-green algae is natural and has occurred throughout history. Still, to better understand the phenomenon, Florida monitors blue-green algae closely because nutrient pollution appears to intensify blue-green algae outbreaks. The state is taking long-term measures that will reduce nutrient loading and improve water quality.

HOW CAN I HELP?
We can all take action to reduce nutrient pollution through the choices we make around the house, with our pets, in lawn maintenance, and in transportation. Families, individuals, students and teachers can access resources online to find out more about the health of their local waterways and participate in community efforts to make their environments healthier and safer. Read More at islandwatersports.com/blog/blue-green-algae/