Note: The above photo was taken at the south end of Long Pond in 2022.
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in the phytoplankton community of aquatic ecosystems. They form the base of the food web of freshwater ponds and streams that flow into coastal estuaries and the ocean. The presence of cyanobacteria is natural and important. However, overabundant cyanobacterial growth (called blooms) degrades habitats and damages the environment. When algae blooms form and cyanobacteria degrade, many release cyanotoxins (e.g. Microcystin.) Exposure to cyanotoxins can have serious health implications for wildlife, humans, and pets.
Additional information can be found by clicking on the following links:
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d4a87e6cdfd44d6ea7b97477969cb1dd
www.mass.gov/info-details/microcystis-and-anabaena-algae-blooms
www.cdc.gov/habs/general.html
www.epa.gov/cyanohabs
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-for-cyanobacteria-in-freshwater-recreational-water-bodies
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in the phytoplankton community of aquatic ecosystems. They form the base of the food web of freshwater ponds and streams that flow into coastal estuaries and the ocean. The presence of cyanobacteria is natural and important. However, overabundant cyanobacterial growth (called blooms) degrades habitats and damages the environment. When algae blooms form and cyanobacteria degrade, many release cyanotoxins (e.g. Microcystin.) Exposure to cyanotoxins can have serious health implications for wildlife, humans, and pets.
Additional information can be found by clicking on the following links:
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d4a87e6cdfd44d6ea7b97477969cb1dd
www.mass.gov/info-details/microcystis-and-anabaena-algae-blooms
www.cdc.gov/habs/general.html
www.epa.gov/cyanohabs
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-for-cyanobacteria-in-freshwater-recreational-water-bodies