Harmful Algal Bloom
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Harmful Algae Blooms: Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a type of algae found naturally in freshwater environments. This algae is a microorganism that functions like a plant in that it feeds through photosynthesis and derives its energy from the sun. Blue-green algae can be found all over the world, and occur in Florida’s freshwater and brackish habitats, such as lakes, rivers and estuaries.
What causes an algal bloom? Although blue-green algae are found naturally, increases in nutrients can exacerbate the extent, duration, and intensity of blooms. Other factors that contribute to blooms include warm temperatures, reduced water flow, and lack of animals that eat algae. Although they can occur at any time, blue-green algae are most common in Florida during the summer and early fall, with high temperatures and abundant sunlight. The summer also brings storms that can potentially deliver nutrients into waterways through stormwater runoff.
REPORT ALGAL BLOOMS HERE
The state’s bloom response team encourages everyone to be on the lookout for blooms and report them. Residents statewide can easily report algal blooms to the department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can be reported online at www.reportalgalbloom.com and through a statewide toll-free number at 1-855-305-3903.
To report fish that are either dead or in poor physical condition, residents should contact the Fish Kill Hotline at 1-800-636-0511.