Blue-Green Algal Bloom Weekly Update

Summary

On Tuesday, Secretary Noah Valenstein joined St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle, St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman and agency water quality experts to examine an active algal bloom on the lower St. Johns and to discuss nutrient reduction projects. The bloom is present from Lake George to CR 214 and has persisted since April 10. DEP is also working with FWC to investigate possible algae and fish abnormalities in Blue Spring State Park, Silver Glen and Salt Spring.

Blooms continue to be reported to DEP by US Army Corps Lake Okeechobee lock operators.  At this time, algae is present at the Caloosahatchee (C-43) structures but is light in occurrence (no thick mats). DEP staff site visits indicate generally that Microcystis is the dominant species being found, but toxins have not been detected. Lee County staff have reported three site visits this week, with only one indicating the presence of algae (Microsystis) and with Microcystin toxin detected at less than 1 microgram per liter. Satellite imagery indicates that conditions on the Lake Okeechobee have become less favorable for algal bloom development.