July 23 – July 29, 2021
There were 22 reported site visits in the past seven days, with 21 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by the samplers at eight of the sites.
Satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee and the estuaries from 7/29 shows moderate to high bloom potential on approximately 40% of the lake, with no bloom potential in the visible portions of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. Satellite imagery for the St. Johns River from 7/27 shows moderate bloom potential on most of Lake George and downstream of the lake on the mainstem of the St. Johns River for several miles. Please keep in mind that bloom potential is subject to change due to rapidly changing environmental conditions or satellite inconsistencies (i.e., wind, rain, temperature or stage).
On 7/26, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff collected a sample at Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area pond - NE corner. The sample had no dominant algal taxon and no cyanotoxins were detected.
On 7/26, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) staff collected samples from C43 canal – S77 (upstream of rim canal), Lake Okeechobee (lakeside), C44 canal (canal side), Lake Okeechobee – Pahokee Marina Boat Ramp and C43 canal (upstream). The C43 Canal (upstream of rim canal) and C44 canal (canal side) samples were both dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa. The Lake Okeechobee (lakeside), Lake Okeechobee – Pahokee Marina Boat Ramp and C43 canal (upstream) samples had no dominant algal taxon. Trace levels of microcystin were detected in the C44 canal (canal side) sample. No cyanotoxins were detected in the Lake Okeechobee (lakeside), Lake Okeechobee – Pahokee Marina Boat Ramp, C43 canal (upstream) and the C43 canal (upstream of rim canal) samples.
On 7/19, DEP staff collected samples at Lake Okeechobee (lakeside), C44 Canal (canal side) and Lake Hart – Hart Branch Circle. The Lake Okeechobee (lakeside) and C44 Canal (canal side) samples had no dominant algal taxon. Trace levels of microcystin were detected in the Lake Okeechobee (lakeside) sample (0.30 ppb) and no cyanotoxins were detected in the C44 Canal (canal side) sample. The Lake Hart – Hart Branch Circle sample was dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa and no cyanotoxins were detected.
On 7/27, 7/28 and 7/29, St. Johns River Water Management District staff collected samples from Blue Cypress Lake, Doctors Lake, Shands Bridge, Mandarin Point, Lake Washington, Lake Jesup, Stickmarsh - north and Lake Monroe.
On 7/29, DEP staff collected samples at Caloosahatchee River - Jaycee Park, Cape Coral, Caloosahatchee River - Rosen Park, Twin Lake – north and eastern lake, Coleman Lake and Lake Buffum. Toxin samples, only, were collected from Twin Lake – north. All results are pending.
On 7/29, SFWMD staff collected a sample from Lake Okeechobee. Results are pending.
On 7/29, SJRWMD collected samples at Crescent Lake - mouth of Dunns Creek (CRESLM) sample was dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa. Lake George - Center (LEO) sample was co-dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.
Last Week
The C44 canal - Timer Powers Park sample had no dominant algal taxon and no cyanotoxins were detected.
This is a high-level summary of the sampling events for the reported week. For all field visit and analytical result details, please refer to the complete algal bloom map with data table by clicking the “Field and Lab Details” Quick Link from the Algal Bloom Dashboard. Different types of blue-green algal bloom species can look different and have different impacts. However, regardless of species, many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins that can make you or your pets sick if swallowed or possibly cause skin and/or eye irritation due to contact. We advise staying out of water where algae is visibly present as specks or mats or where water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with the algal bloom-impacted water, or the algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.
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