Harmful Algal Blooms in New York’s Finger Lakes – A Harbinger of Change to Come?

Session: 41a. - Great Lakes Harmful Algal Blooms Research from Watershed Influence to Ecosystem Effects

Gregory Boyer, SUNY-ESF, [email protected]
Kristen Slodysko, SUNY-ESF, [email protected]

Abstract

The eleven Finger Lake are the crown jewel of central New York. They range in size, depth, watershed area and type, and are used both for drinking water and recreation. Several lakes (Canandaigua, Seneca, Skaneateles, Canadice) are historically oligotrophic (TP<10) whereas other lakes (Honeoye, Otisco) are eutrophic (TP>20).  In 2016, Owasco Lake suffered a severe HAB with microcystin concentrations in the lake reaching 2500 ug/L.  Detectable levels of toxins were found in the City of Auburn’s finished drinking water. In 2017, unusual rainfall led to the first-ever occurrence of HABs in all eleven Finger Lakes.  Peak microcystin concentrations reached 200 and 400 ug/L in “oligotrophic” Skaneateles and Seneca Lake, and >800 ug/L in “eutrophic” Honeoye Lake.  Nested mixed-effects general linear models indicated algal biomass was related to N and P on a global scale, but there were large variations between lakes with regard to the specific nutrient of importance.  Management plans to prevent HABs in the Finger Lakes will need to be lake-specific in terms of the nutrient and actions.  The conditions that led to the occurrence of HABs in 2017 are unlikely to be isolated events.  In the future, Finger Lakes historically considered immune to HABs will need to be monitored. 

1. Keyword
cyanophyta

2. Keyword
Microcystis

3. Keyword
water quality

4. Additional Keyword
microcystin