PHYTOPLANKTON are microorganisms that drift about in water. They are single-celled, but at times they can grow in colonies large enough to be seen by the human eye. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic, meaning they have the ability to use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy. While they are plant-like in this ability, phytoplankton are not plant.
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally found in fresh water in the U.S. Some types of cyanobacteria can release natural toxins or poisons (called cyanotoxins) into the water, especially when they die and break down.
Cyanobacteria is not the green slim that sticks to rocks, plants or the bottom of the lake. It can not be picked up with a stick, nor does it have tiny leaves. It looks like tiny pin sized particles that maybe in a mass or bloom and look like pea soup or a blue green paint spill. It's important to know what cyanobacteria look like and to use your best judgment when thinking about swimming or doing other activities in the water.
If you think you see Cyanobacteria in Lake Garfield, please alert the Monterey Harbormaster/Police Chief at 413-528-1443 x116 or x225 or 528-3211 and keep children and pets out of the water.