Tag Archives: Missisquoi

Lake Champlain Phosphorus Levels (20 year chart)

Lake Champlain Phosphorus Levels for past 20 years

Lake Champlain Phosphorus Amounts Chart image

Amounts of Lake Champlain Phosphorus

This chart created by the Addison Independent from Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Water Management Division data shows the number of metric tons of Phosphorus in Lake Champlain per year from 1991 through 2011. The chart focuses on three Vermont watersheds, namely Otter Creek, the Winooski River and the Missisquoi River.

Last year’s record spring flooding and Tropical Storm Irene caused unprecedented amounts of phosphorus to be dumped into Lake Champlain. In some cases the amounts were two to three times the average high mean levels. These high Phosphorus levels are responsible for the widespread and sudden appearance of Blue-Green Algae, or cyanobacteria blooms that have closed beaches around the Lake.

“Phosphorus is key to causing the dense cyanobacteria blooms,” according to Angela Shambaugh, aquatic biologist for the Water Management Division at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and a leading authority on cyanobacteria. “That bulk of algae really can’t grow without phosphorus, and it takes a lot of phosphorus to create that amount of biomass.”

In Vermont, cyanobacteria live in warm, shallow waters that get lots of sun and low winds. And they flourish most where their primary source of food – phosphorus – is most abundant. As the above chart illustrates, Lake Champlain Phosphorus levels have never been higher. Warmer weather and calmer wind and waves provide the ideal conditions for the formation of Blue-Green Algae blooms and have contributed to our current outbreaks.

Lake Champlain phosphorus levels lead to Blue-Green Algae Bloom

Boaters, swimmers, water-skiers, waders, parents, pet-owners and residents should become familiar with the appearance of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Avoid contact with dense accumulations of these algae. Children are at higher risk because they are more likely to drink the water. Pets should not be allowed in algae-contaminated water, because they will also drink the water and consume algae on their fur.

For more information on the causes, dangers and prevention of Blue-Green Algae blooms see Blue-Green Algae Tips.

Further Reading:

Blue-Green Algae Tips, (LakeChamplainLife.com)

Lake Champlain Blue-Green Algae Bloom Status Map, (Vt Dept. of Health)

Lake Champlain, Environmental Reports, (VT ANR)

Blue-green Algae, Information Bulletin, (NYS Dept. of Health)

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Vermont, (VT ANR)

Blue-green algae and our surface water, (MDDEP, Quebec)

.
[nrelate-related]

Blue-Green Algae Tips

Blue-Green Algae Tips for Lake Users

Blue-green algae bloom

Blue-green algae or Cyanobacteria, is a common and natural component of the microscopic plants (plankton) in Lake Champlain and other waters. Some blue-green algae produce natural toxins or poisons. When the algae die and decompose, toxins can are sometimes released into the water.

Blue-green algae are an ancient group of algae. Although they are most closely related to other bacteria, they can photosynthesize like green plants. Blue-green algae reproduce rapidly in lakes and ponds with adequate amounts of sunlight, air/water temperature andnutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.

Blue-green algae can become very abundant in some sections of Lake Champlain as the water warm in mid-summer. Particular problem areas are Missisquoi Bay and St. Albans Bay. Under calm conditions, the blue-green algae can accumulate in thick layers on the surface or along the shoreline. These accumulations are often referred to as “blooms” or “scums.” Although blue-green algae blooms can create nuisance conditions and undesirable water quality, most blooms are not toxic.

For much of the year, Lake Champlain is safe to swim in, but it is important to be aware of algae blooms. Blue-green algae blooms usually don’t occur until July, and are most common in August and September.

.

Is Blue-Green Algae Really Dangerous?

While there are no documented cases of human illness due to blue-green algae in Lake Champlain, caution around the algae is urged, especially for pet owners. If animals ingest the toxins, they can become paralyzed and die quickly. The signs of such poisoning include weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions and death.

Some blue-green algae produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities. Health effects could occur when surface scums or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are swallowed, through contact with the skin or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, bathing or showering.

Recreational contact, such as swimming, and household contact, such as bathing or showering, with water not visibly affected by a blue-green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects. However, some individuals could be especially sensitive to even low levels of algal toxins and might experience mild symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation or allergic reactions.

During the summers of 1999 and 2000 the death of two dogs was attributed to blue-green algae poisoning, after drinking large amounts of contaminated water directly from the lake.

While blue-green algae toxins have been detected at many locations in Lake Champlain, the highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and shoreline scums. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential health risks. Watch for dense accumulations of algae and avoid these areas.

.

How Does Weather Affect Blue-Green Algae Blooms?

Surface water affected by blue-green algae can be so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance.

The warmer water temperature results in an increase in the amount of blue-green algae and the presence of blooms.

Weather can also influence where blue-green algae will accumulate. During extended periods of calm and sunny days, blooms can accumulate at the surface in any location. Wind and waves may cause them to form along shorelines or in protected areas. Shifts in wind direction can move a bloom from one location to another.

Periods of cool rainy weather can often lead to the disappearance of a bloom.

Properties of Blue-Green Algae Blooms

The water may appear cloudy and look like thick pea soup.
Blooms are generally green or blue-green in color, although they sometimes can be brown or purple.
A thick mat or foam may form when a bloom washes onto shore.
large numbers of dead fish, waterfowl or other animals.
sudden, unexplained sickness or death of a cat or dog.
a skin rash on humans after being in the water.
Not all blue-green algae produce toxins, however there is no way to tell just by looking at them.
View this Vermont Dept. of Health photo gallery for what a Blue-green algae bloom looks like

.

What Can You Do To Avoid Blue-Green Algae?

Boaters, swimmers, water-skiers, waders, parents, pet-owners and residents should become familiar with the appearance of blue-green algae. Everyone should avoid contact with dense accumulations of these algae.

Children are at higher risk because they are more likely to drink the water.

Do not allow pets in algae-contaminated water because they will also drink the water and consume algae on their fur.

If your dog does swim in a bloom, wash the dog off when it comes out of the water; make sure the dog does not lick the algae out of its fur.

If the water has a lot of algae in it, make sure the dog drinks from another source.

If you believe that someone has become ill because of blue-green algae, please contact the VT Department of Health at 800-439-8550 or the NYS Department of Health at 518-402-7820.

.

How Can You Help Prevent Blue-Green Algae Blooms?

Sometimes blue-green algae becomes so abundant that it forms floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water.

Algae blooms typically occur during sunny, calm weather when high concentrations of nutrients are present in water. The two important nutrients that can cause a bloom are phosphorus and nitrogen, found in animal and human waste and fertilizers.

To help decrease nutrients flowing into streams, ponds and lakes:

Don’t use more lawn fertilizers than the recommended amount, and keep fertilizers out of storm drains and off driveways and sidewalks.
“Don’t ‘P’ on the lawn!” It’s the Law! New laws in Vermont and New York that took effect January 1, 2012, prohibit the application of phosphorus fertilizers except in certain circumstances.

Maintain or plant native plants around shorelines and streams. Native plants don’t require fertilizers and help filter water.

Properly care for and maintain your septic system.

Do not allow livestock to drink or defecate in streams or lakes. Don’t overfeed waterfowl.

Take steps to prevent soil erosion.

.

* Check the Current Lake Champlain B-G Algae Status Map Here *

.
[nrelate-related]

Invasive Plants

Plant Invaders

Invasive plants are non-native species that are capable of moving or, more likely, being moved into a habitat and then monopolizing resources such as light, nutrients, water, and space at the expense of and to the detriment of other species. They are more aggressive and successful than native species at dominating the available resources.

Invasive Plants in the Lake Champlain Basin

Hydrilla

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata): is a highly aggressive plant. Hydrilla has clogged drainage canals in the southeast and it’s been reported as close as Massachusetts, Maine, and southern New York. Fragments falling from boats, trailers, and live wells can start new populations, which often begin near boat launches.Hydrilla was first introduced to the United States as a popular aquarium plant, which was then accidentally released into the wild in Florida. Hydrilla is capable of completely clogging waterways. Its vertical branches often out-compete native plants, affecting water quality and restricting flow. The widespread growth of this plant has dramatic impacts on recreational uses such as boating, fishing and swimming.Compared to other aquatic plants, Hydrilla grows well in deeper, darker waters and new infestations may establish a foothold there before spreading into shallower waters and out-competing other resident plants..

Eurasian Milfoil

Eurasian Water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), first discovered in the Basin in 1962, is found in many areas throughout the Lake and Basin. In some areas infestations are severe. Detailed watermilfoil studies have been conducted for many of Lake Champlain’s bays and for 35 other lakes within the Basin, but many areas have little or no study regarding the presence and extent of infestation. Because Eurasian water milfoil is spread by plant fragments transported by waves, wind, currents, people, and to some extent, animals, it is not easily controlled.

Variable-leaved Milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) : Related to Eurasian Water milfoil was found in 2009 in Missisquoi Bay; it too can become a nuisance. Because milfoil spreads by stem pieces, roots and seeds, plant parts can easily hitchhike on recreational equipment if not removed. Boaters are advised to avoid beds of watermilfoil to prevent spreading the plant further. Boaters, anglers and other recreational enthusiasts should take precautions to avoid transporting this and other invasive species to other waters or other parts of Lake Champlain.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) was first introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in the late 1800’s for its appealing flowers. It was also used for erosion control because of its prolific growth. It has since spread into the wild across the United States, including the Lake Champlain Basin. It spreads by underground rhizomes that easily fragment and spread to other areas. This is a problem especially along stream banks where natural forces contribute to the spread of knotweed.

Japanese knotweed has already altered the natural characteristics of the Lake Champlain Basin. Since it grows early in the season and is very dense, it excludes the growth of native plant species. When dense stands are removed from river banks there can be increased erosion until native plants are able to reestablish themselves.

European Water Chestnut

European water chestnut (Trapa natans), first documented in Lake Champlain in the 1940s, displaces other aquatic plant species, is of little food value to wildlife, and forms dense mats that change habitat and interfere with recreational activities. Water chestnut is a fierce competitor in shallow waters with soft, muddy bottoms. Uncontrolled, it creates nearly impenetrable mats across wide areas of water. In South Lake Champlain, many previously often fished bays are now inaccessible and floating mats of chestnut can create a hazard for boaters. This noxious plant also blocks light into the water, a critical element of a well-functioning aquatic ecosystem, reduces oxygen levels which may increase the potential for fish kills.

Submersed leaves are feather-like; each leaf is divided into segments that are whorled around the leaf stem. White flowers form in the axils of the surfacing leaves in July. Fruit are nut-like and “woody” with typically four sharp, barbed spines. Long cord-like rarely branching stems can attain lengths of up to 16 feet. Water chestnut grows in freshwater lakes and ponds and slow moving streams and rivers. It prefers calm, shallow, nutrient-rich waters.

Didymo or ‘Rock Snot’

Didymo: Didymosphenia geminata, commonly referred to as “didymo” or “rock snot” is a freshwater algae. Native distribution of the species includes cool temperate regions of Northern Europe and Northern North America. While not much of a threat to Lake Champlain itself, didymo may pose a threat to rivers and streams because it can form dense mats in stream beds. Scientific studies conducted around the world have yet to show that didymo has significant impacts to salmon and trout.

Didymo attaches to the streambed by a stalk. It has a rough texture similar to wet wool and mimics strands of toilet paper, as opposed to other species of algae which feel slimier.

Didymo can be accidentally spread by people using rivers, as its microscopic cells can cling to boats, waders, fishing gear, sandals, and anything else that comes in contact with water. Gear must be dried for a minimum of 48 hours or cleaned with a bleach solution to get rid of the algae.

What else poses a threat to Lake Champlain’s ecosystem?

Next: Are There Other Invasive Threats to Lake Champlain? ( Next >> )

Previous: Invasive Invertebrates ( << Previous )

Invasive Fish Species

Fish Invaders

Lake Champlain’s Invasive Fish Species

Let’s begin with a look at some of the invasive fish species that are threatening Lake Champlain and its native ecosystem. .

Round goby: (Neogobius melanostomus) Native to the Caspian and Black Sea regions, Gobies were probably introduced to the Great Lakes from a ship’s discharged ballast water in the 1980’s. They are bottom-dwellers perching on rocks and substrate. They grow up to ten inches long and have large heads, soft bodies and dorsal fins lacking spines. Often confused with sculpins, the round goby is distinguished by its fused pelvic (bottom) fin which forms a suction disk that allows them to anchor to the bottom. No native North American fish has this feature.

Round gobies are predators of many native fish such as darters, sculpins, and logperch; this has led to serious declines in populations of some of these native species in other areas. Gobies also eat eggs and fry of lake trout, and eggs of lake sturgeon. They have been implicated in major bird die-offs in the Great Lakes because they can harbor the bacterium that causes avian botulism; this bacteria is then transmitted to the birds that have eaten the Gobies.

.

The Eurasian Ruffe: (Gymnocephalus cernuus) is a nonnative nuisance fish threatening the ecosystem and sport fish population of Lake Champlain. First found in Lake Superior in 1986, the ruffe has since expanded its population and range considerably. It is a perch-like fish native to Eurasia that usually grows no bigger than six inches.

Ruffe impact native species and sport fish populations by eating their eggs and competing for food and habitat. Since they mature quickly, they are highly competitive, have high reproductive potential, and are adaptable to a wide variety of habitats.

.

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) were confirmed in Lake Champlain in 2003. In 2008, widespread alewife die-offs occurred in the Lake, confirming that large numbers are now present. Although alewives do undergo periodic mass mortality events, the specific cause of the Lake Champlain die-off is unclear.

The alewife is a marine fish species from the herring family. Native populations of this fish inhabit the Atlantic Ocean. Each spring, adult alewives migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn. The young hatch in the rivers, reside there for the summer, and then migrate out to sea in early fall where they mature as adults. Alewives can, however, survive in freshwater. Alewife populations have become established in Great Lakes and many landlocked lakes in New York, Maine, Connecticut, and other New England states.

Alewife threaten the native species of Lake Champlain by altering zooplankton communities, competing with other fish for food, and feeding on native fish eggs and larvae. They also pose a threat to Lake Trout and Atlantic salmon who can experience reproductive failure when feeding on an alewife diet due to a severe vitamin B deficiency. Biologists are concerned that the establishment of this exotic fish species in the Lake and other Basin waters could prove to be a major threat to native forage and game fish populations.

Tench: (Tinca tinca), originally from Germany, was first caught and identified on the Great Chazy in New York in May 2002. Similar to carp, tench live on lake or river bottoms. They are a slimy, slow moving carnivorous member of the minnow family that prefer shallow water and weedy areas where they feed on invertebrates. It is not known how the tench found its way to the Great Chazy, although the Richelieu River already has a viable tench population.

The tench has a tendency to cloud the water where it lives by stirring up the bottom sediments. These fine sediments can suffocate the eggs and newly hatched fish of native species such as pike, perch or crappie.

.

White Perch Lake Champlain Invasive fish: White Perch : (Morone americana) are a relatively new non-native invasive species of increasing concern in the Lake. In 2003, Quebec researchers found that white perch far outnumber native perch in Missisquoi Bay and are now that Bay’s most abundant fish. They may displace native perch by feeding on their larvae and compete for zooplankton which can lead to an increase in algal growth. White perch are also known to prey on walleye eggs along with white crappy, which has contributed to the significant decline in the walleye population.

.

Next we’ll look at some of the invasive invertebrates trying to ‘mussel’ and claw their way into Lake Champlain.

Next: Invasive Invertebrate Threats to Lake Champlain ( Next >> )

Previous: Invasive Species ( << Previous )

Invasive Species in Lake Champlain

What are Invasive Species?

Any species that are not native to Lake Champlain and may be likely to cause ecological or environmental harm are considered ‘invasive species.’

Lake Champlain Zebra Mussels

People, animals and natural forces have been moving plants and animals, intentionally or accidentally, from one habitat to another throughout history. Sometimes, introduced species are not a threat to new habitats. If the newcomers have natural predators in their new home they don’t significantly upset the ecosystem. Invasive species, however, lack predators in their new habitat and have aggressive growth patterns. If the ecosystem can’t keep a newcomer’s population controlled. Without natural, ecological controls such as disease and predators, the balance of that ecosystem is tipped. The non-native species out-compete the native plants and wildlife causing the native species to suffer, decline or become extinct. This reduces Lake Champlain’s native bio-diversity. Once they’ve established themselves, these species can be nearly impossible to eliminate.

Some examples of Invasive Species:

Zebra mussels that entered Lake Champlain around 1993, have proliferated and smothered the native mussels, choked water intake pipes, and sliced swimmers’ feet .
Alewives– first found in the lake in 2003- have become a dominant forage fish. Recent winter kills of alewives have resulted in tons of rotting fish washing ashore after the ice has melted (see picture below). This die-off does seem to have affected the overall lake-wide population of that fish, however.

Alewife die-off in Lake Champlain

Eurasian Milfoil has spread throughout Lake Champlain, affecting both swimmers and boaters. Its cousin Variable-leaved Milfoil was found in 2009 in Missisquoi Bay; it too can become a nuisance.

Lampreys on Lake Trout

Sometimes native species can also get out of balance with the ecosystem. Sea Lampreys are believed to be a native species, but their populations are currently so high that they threaten the survival of other native species, like Lake Trout.

Where are they from?

More than 60 percent of the invasive species (that we know about) have entered by way of canals, especially the Champlain Canal at the southern end of the lake. Many other invasives are ready to join them. The Hudson River (which is connected to Lake Champlain by The Champlain Canal) hosts more than twice the number of exotic species as Lake Champlain; the Great Lakes host nearly four times as many.

Now let’s look at some of the current and up-coming threats to Lake Champlain’s current ecosystem.

Lake Champlain Life

Exploring Life on and Around Lake Champlain