What harmful algal blooms can look like:
On Otsego Lake, microcystis colonies often resemble lines of foam.
Credit: Doug Willies 2023
Foam containing microcystin on Otsego Lake.
Credit: Doug Willies 2023
Foam containing microcystin on Otsego Lake.
Credit: Doug Willies 2023
Microcystin foam along Otsego Lake shoreline.
Credit: Doug Willies 2023
Springfield Landing, September 2022
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Bloom conditions at Biological Field Station Thayer Boathouse, September 2022.
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Thayer Boathouse South, September 2022
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Microcystis (harmful algal bloom causing cyanobacteria) surface accumulation
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Springfield Landing swim area, September 2022
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Springfield Landing looking south, September 2022
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Otsego Sailing Club looking south, September 2022
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Even in relatively clear conditions, microcystin can be present. Fairy Springs looking south, September 2022.
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Streaky formations can form in relatively clear water. Swimming area at Three Mile Point, August 2022.
Credit: Holly Waterfield
Grainy formation on Canadarago Lake, August 2022
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
Clumpy formation on Canadarago Lake, August 2022
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
Streaky, paintlike formation on Canadarago Lake, August 2018
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
Streaky, paintlike formation near dock on Canadarago Lake, July 2021
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
Closer view of formation near dock on Canadarago, July 2021
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
Streaky, paintlike formation on Canadarago Lake, August 2018
Credit: Matthew Dombrowski
HABs may make the water look bright green or like pea soup. Location not known.
Credit: DEC
HABs may look like blue, green, or white spilled
paint on the water surface. Location not known.
Credit: DEC
HABs may look like parallel streaks, usually green, on the water surface. Location not known.
Credit: DEC
HABs may look like green dots, clumps or globs on the water surface. Location not known.
Credit: DEC
Often mistaken for harmful algal blooms, images borrowed from the DEC:
Green algae can look like bubbling scum on the water and may be entangled with other plant material, but do not produce harmful toxins.
Green algae can look silky, hairy or like wet fabric on the rocks, plants or water surface, but do not produce harmful toxins.
Green algae can look like floating rafts on the water, but do not produce harmful toxins.
Green algae can look stringy or hairy or like a tumbleweed in the water
or on the lake bottom, but do not produce harmful toxins.
Green algae can form thick mats on the water surface but do not produce
harmful toxins.