Florida blue-green algae update

Last updated on November 2nd, 2024 at 07:25 am

The blue-green algae report is usually updated weekly.

Oct. 25–Oct. 31, 2024 – There were 25 reported site visits in the past seven days with 25 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at five of the sites. 

On 10/28 – 10/31, Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff collected 12 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response samples and two routine HAB monitoring samples. Dominant algal taxa and cyanotoxin results follow each waterbody name. 

Lake Marian – PavilionMicrocystis aeruginosa; 3.2 parts per billion (ppb) microcystins detected. 
Lake Okeechobee – S308C: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
C44 canal – S308C: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Lake Pearl – Park DockMicrocystis aeruginosa and Microcystis wesenbergii co-dominant; no cyanotoxins detected.
Lake Irma – North LobeMicrocystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Doctors Lake – Center: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
Doctors Lake – at Camp Echockotee: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Doctors Lake – Magnolia Road: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Blanton Lake – South Lobe: No dominant algal taxon; trace level (0.36 ppb) microcystins detected. 
Georges Lake – CenterMicrocystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii co-dominant; trace level (0.28 ppb) microcystins detected. 
Lake Petty Gulf – off Glen Abby DriveScytonema arcangelii and Zygnema sp. co-dominant; cyanotoxin results pending. 
Bass Lake – Center: Results pending. 

On 10/28, South Florida Water Management District staff collected one HAB response sample at C43 canal – S77 (upstream). No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 

On 10/29-10/31, St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) staff collected six HAB response sample and six routine HAB monitoring samples. Dominant algal taxa and cyanotoxin results follow each waterbody name. 

St. Johns River – Mandarin PointMicrocystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected. 
St. Johns River – Peters BranchMicrocystis aeruginosa; trace level (0.10 ppb) cylindrospermopsin detected. 
St. Johns River – Shands BridgeMicrocystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected. 
St. Johns River – across from Drayton Island Ferry Boat Ramp: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
St. Johns River – Welaka Boat RampMicrocystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected. 
St. Johns River – Buzzard Island: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Doctors Lake – Center: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected. 
Lake George – CenterMicrocystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.
Silver Glen – Kayak Launch: Results pending. 
Lake Washington – Center: Results pending.
Crescent Lake – mouth of Dunns Creek: Results pending. 
Crescent Lake- Bear Island: Results pending. Detailed sampling

Most recent samples, see Florida DEP blue-green algae report

Most recent month, see Blue-green algae statewide dashboard

About blue-green algae

In water bodies with blue-green algae, if people or animals splash or if boats create wakes, the cyanotoxins in the algae can release into the air. 

The toxins mix with water droplets and spray, which is how people and animals can inhale the toxin. These toxins can’t pass through your skin easily so swallowing large amounts of contaminated water is what causes illness.

This algae is blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. Pets can become sick from blue-green algae so keep them out of those areas and away from contaminated marine animals and fish.

SYMPTOMS

For some people, blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People who are very sensitive to smells can have respiratory irritation. Sometimes, high exposures of toxin can affect the liver and nervous system.

If you come into contact with blue-green algae, get out of the area and wash off with soap and water. See your doctor if you think blue-green algae has made you sick.

CONTAMINATED WATER

Water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick—stay away from these areas.

blue-green algae
If you see a blue-green algae bloom:
  • Do not swim, wade or walk in the water.
  • Do not let pets swim or go near the water.
  • Rinse fish with tap water. Discard guts.
  • Do not use water from area for drinking or cooking.
  • Do not eat shellfish.

SWIMMING 

Don’t swim in or around blue-green algae.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE AND FISH

Fish tested from water with blue-green algae show that cyanotoxins don’t accumulate much in the edible parts — muscle or fillet — of fish, but can in other organs. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water. Throw out guts. Cook fish well.

blue-green algae site 1web final algae red tide inforgraphic Florida blue-green algae update
Contributing factors to both red tide and blue-green algae. (Florida Audubon)

More from Florida Rambler: The Florida Red Tide Report





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