7102-R4_LSLA_2020_SummerNewsletter_Web

What’s Happening Around My Lake-2020,

Algae, Snails, Gleo - Oh No! What do ice-free days per year mean to us? It is important to note the total days the lake is exposed to the elements. Excitement mounts as it is exciting to see who selects the correct ice-out date; this year March 31st. We are finding that it is equally important to note the date it freezes; approximately December 15th. The impact of open water means the sun can start the heating process early causing early anticipation of invasive milfoil growth, algae blooms, snail growth and other possible impacts not foreseen. Chinese Mystery Snail Undoubtedly, you have seen these Chinese Mystery Snails floating on top of the water at various times during the summer. They spend most of their time half buried in the bottom sediment and can be seen in large bed 25 feet below the surface. They can achieve very high densities and adversely affects aquatic food webs. It competes with smaller native snails for food and habitat and may contribute to their decline. In order for them to float to the surface they will seal their trap door. It is thought that when the oxygen is depleted late in the summer close to the bottom that they will rise to the surface. They are about the size of a walnut or golf ball with dare, olive colored shells. If they wash up on shore ore are very abundant in your area you can scoop them up and dispose of them. Take caution with children that if they pick one up they should clean their hands since they may also transmit parasites and diseases. If you see large colonies please report them to info@littlesebagolake.com so we may document and provide updated information for you. Metaphyton is a term used to collectively characterize filamentous (stringy) algae that grow predominantly in shallow (littoral) areas in lakes and ponds. While unpleasant, it is generally not associated with health risks. Lake Stewards of Maine link provided will give you more information. Green cloud like Green pesto type formations Gloeotrichia echinulata (“Gloeo”) formations suspended on the bottom

is a colonial cyanobacteria species. Visit Maine Lakes link on next page.

Gloeotrichia echinulata is a photosynthetic organism, the life cycle of which includes two separate stages. Initially, Gloeotrichia is found as an ‘akinete package’ or germling on the lake bottom (benthos) as spring begins (that means a dormant form lying in the bottom sediment). Germination is triggered by warm water temperatures (19o C) and sunlight. The organism begins to grow on the sediment surface and acquires nutrients in excess of its immediate needs from the sediments (1). After developing ample nutrients it forms gas vesicles that enable it

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