How You Can be a "Cyano Counter" in 3 Steps

  1. Learn how to IDENTIFY (Scroll Down)

  2. Make Observation

  3. Record Observation

 

Why be a Counter?

Gloeo bloom in Herrick Cover, Photo - LSPA

LSPA is concerned with why Lake Sunapee is experiencing cyano blooms that started about a decade ago. Your participation in this volunteer program helps us better understand cyanobacteria and provide any necessary warnings to the public. 

Identification

Cyano bloom in Bow Lake, Northwood, NH, Photo - NHDES

There are many kinds of cyanobacteria and they don't all look alike and are not all harmful. The one most prevalent in Lake Sunapee today and the one LSPA is concerned about is called Gloeotrichia echinulata or Gloeo for short. Gloeo form colonies the size of a pin head (about 1.5 mm or 1/16 inch) and are light yellow green in color. Other common cyanobacteria are not visible to the naked eye until they form a bloom. The bloom looks like a surface scum that can range from yellow green, bright green, to slightly blue green.

 

Look A-Likes

Pine pollen, Photo - LSPA

Pollen grains are small and close together. Wind can blow them near the shoreline where they aggregate and form smoky wispy "clouds".