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) and their release of dangerous amounts of cyanotoxins appear to be occurring more frequently. This is due to warming global temperatures and excessive nutrients in our ponds.
This excessive growth of cyanobacteria and formation of blooms degrades habitats and damages the environment. Exposure to cyanotoxins can have serious health implications for wildlife, humans, and pets.
Source: Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Testing of Long Pond
Each summer, The Town of Barnstable conducts regular testing at the Association Beach.
We have contracted with the APCC to expand that testing to several locations around the perimeter of the pond.
Cape Cod Initiatives
The APCC monitors a number of ponds, including Long Pond Marstons Mills
To see their interactive pond maps and check the status several local ponds during the summer:
https://www.apcc.org/cyano/
To see the APCC's video about cape ponds, click: The Jewels of Cape Cod
Barnstable Ponds: Current Status, Available Data, and Recommendations for Future Activities FINAL REPORT July 2008 Includes Long Pond and shows serious concerns in all important categories.
Pond Water Quality Assessment of 23 Ponds in the Town of Barnstable using Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS) Protocols, 2017 Long Pond Marstons Mills not included!
Action Plan for the Barnstable Ponds, EcoLogic LLC , Stearns & Wheler GHD, December 31, 2009www.townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Conservation/Reports_and_Studies/Action-Plan-for-the-Barnstable-Ponds.pdf?tm=7/22/2020%2011:42:22%20AM
Long Pond MM considered "moderate priority."
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is working on these problems. Among its initiatives is participation in the Ponds and Lakes Stewardship Program (PALS) that includes our pond. PALS was a sponsor of the 2001 study that produced the Pond and Lake Atlas with monitoring overseen by UMass Dartmouth's SMAST program.
The Cape Cod Commission Water Quality Plan of 2015 showed that 80% of the Cape's fresh water pollution comes from septic systems and recommended, "permitting the use of alternative systems, including denitrifying septic systems." Its PALS Pond and Lake Atlas of 2003 forecast many of the problems we have today before they were widely visible. The major culprits: development, septic systems, and road runoff. The commission is involved with various pond and water quality projects.
The Mass. Alternative Septic System Test Center of Barnstable County is working on various ways to handle septic waste for homes and communities that would reduce pond and ground water pollution.
Additional information can be found by clicking on the following links:
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
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/identifying-cyanobacterial-blooms-and-scums-photographs-of-blooms-and-scums
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/lists/algae-information
https://www.consumerreports.org/water-quality/watch-out-for-algal-blooms/
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190919/Toxic-algae-may-be-more-harmful-for-people-with-pre-existing-liver-disease.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200212/Study-provides-evidence-of-aerosol-exposure-to-microcystins-among-coastal-residents.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110217/Researchers-find-blue-green-algae-may-be-responsible-for-producing-estrogen-like-compound-in-water.aspx
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