I have the answers to your algae questions.
1) The green stuff that is affectionally referred to as fish snots or cotton candy is actually a filamentous green algae. New Hampshire lakes have had significant amounts of this algae over the past summer. The heavy rainfall has resulted in a high volume of runoff and phosphorus to our lakes this spring and summer. Filamentous green algae grow best when phosphorus levels are high, water temperature is high and there is sunshine for chlorophyll production. They typically grow in coves, embayments or in deeper waters where wind and wave action are minimal. They are common to NH waters and do not present any toxicity issues.
2) The green blobs or balls are a cyanobacteria called Gloeotrichia. They are prevalent in Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam and Sunapee during late August. This cyanobacteria is not a toxin producer and will start to disappear in a couple of weeks when the water cools down. By late October, the diatoms (algae) should have established themselves as the dominant phytoplankton once again.
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