Page 8 - Jupiter West - August '19

Page 8, Jupiter West
Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways And Algae growth depends
How You Can Minimize Its on weather patterns,
temperature, and nutrients
Growth in the water. While blooms
happen naturally, an
By O’Neal Bardin Jr., imbalance of phosphorus
Executive Director, and nitrogen, in
Northern Palm Beach particular, can accelerate
County Improvement an algal bloom’s growth
District significantly. Pollutants
The term “algae” is from construction runoff,
generally used to refer fertilized yards and golf
to a wide variety of courses, road wash,
different and dissimilar stormwater runoff, pet
photosynthetic organisms, waste, and decomposing
generally microscopic. leaves, grass clippings,
Depending on the species, and other organic materials
algae can inhabit fresh or salt water. In modern also contribute to nutrient
taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one imbalances in the water.
of six divisions. The misnamed blue-green algae are Higher temperatures and
often grouped with algae because of the chloroplasts increased sunlight in
contained within the cells. However, these organisms are summer months also can
actually photosynthetic bacteria assigned to the group encourage algae blooms, as does standing water, which And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or
cyanobacteria. is warmer than circulating water and can act like an compost is any better than a chemical version, anything
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary incubator – another significant influence. that’s going to make your garden plants grow is going
in shape and color, and are found in a large range of Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, to make algae grow as well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers
habitats, such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. but it can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing generally.
They are a natural and essential part of the ecosystem. algae on your lake? The most effective thing to do is Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
In these habitats, the phytoplankton are the base of the reduce the number of algae-feeding nutrients, especially Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans and phosphorus, that make it into the water. Here are some should be bagged and removed from the property
other small animals consume the phytoplankton and in tips to keep your lake in tip-top shape. to prevent them from accumulating and decaying in
turn are consumed by larger animals. Be Careful With Fertilizer the waterbody. When organic materials are allowed
Under certain conditions, several species of true Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – but to decompose in freshwater resources, they release
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages undesirable nutrients that are responsible for fueling
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if nuisance plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn-care
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the you’re close to a water source – plant native plants instead, company to remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river which are well-adapted to the environment and don’t require decomposition in or around ponds and lakes.
increase explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, special maintenance. Implement landscaping strategies, Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source
ponds, and slow-moving canals are most susceptible to like xeriscaping, that increase groundwater filtration before of excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste
blooms. water enters the pond or lake. bags into lakes and canals. They will eventually break
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free down and release those toxins into the waterway.
with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and
weather and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom when there’s no rain in the forecast. don’t dump any debris into lakes and canals.
depends on local conditions and characteristics of the
particular body of water. Blooms generally occur where
there are high levels of nutrients present, together with the
occurrence of warm, sunny, calm conditions. However,
human activity often can trigger or accelerate algal
blooms. Natural sources of nutrients such as phosphorus or
nitrogen compounds can be supplemented by a variety of
human activities. For example, in rural areas, agricultural
runoff from fields can wash fertilizers into the water. In
urban areas, nutrient sources can cause stormwater runoff
that carries pollutants such as lawn fertilizers.

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com

Country Club

Drift Fishing

½ Day • All Day
Night Fishing
SnApper • Grouper
KinG • Dolphin
Father’s Day
SAil • WAhoo Great
44 Foot Custom Walk Around Gift
5 - 12 Anglers
Larger Group Charters Available
Reservations Suggested • Individual Anglers Welcome
Captain Jim Barton Licensed and Insured

USCG 100-Ton Master
40 Years Experience
USCG Licensed and Insured
Castaways Marina (behind Square Grouper)
561-262-5329

Live Bait When Available
www.CountryClubCharters.com