Cyanobacteria
Basic Awareness-
Cyanobacteria is a microscopic bacteria that gets its name from its bluish pigment phycocyanin. It uses phycocyanin along with chlorophyll A to capture light for photosynthesis (T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993). Although cyanobacteria is often called blue-green algae it has no relationship to algae. All cyanobacterias are unicellular and many species form large macroscopic colonies that may appear like blue-green paint or scum and have a foul smell. Cyanobacteria can be found in fresh, brackish and marine waters on nearly all continents of the world.
Are you just learning about cyanobacteria? It is actually the oldest known fossil organism, dating back 3.5 billion years. To put that into perspective, the oldest known fossil rocks are 3.8 billion years old! (Olson JM 2006). Over time, cyanobacteria has played a crucial role in developing the earth’s atmosphere into the oxygen rich environment it is today through many events of photosynthesis. It is actually one of the few organisms able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants for growth (T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993).
Cyanobacteria are arguably the most successful group of microorganisms on earth. They are the most genetically diverse; they occupy a broad range of habitats across all latitudes, widespread in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and they are found in the most extreme niches such as hot springs, salt works, and hypersaline bays. Photoautotrophic, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria created the conditions in the planet's early atmosphere that directed the evolution of aerobic metabolism and eukarotic photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria fulfill vital ecological functions in the world's oceans, being important contributors to global carbon and nitrogen budgets.
– Stewart and Falconer (Stewart I and Falconer IR 2008)
Cyanobacteria blooms can occur at anytime but tend to develop in warm, nutrient rich bodies of water with slight to moderate alkalinity (http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7673.pdf). The high nutrient load can be due to several factors, including: age of the body of water, fertilizer run-off, presence and number of waterfowl as well as diversity and biomass of fish and plants. These blooms can be harmful to your pond for a variety of reasons:
1) Formation of dense colonies of cyanobacteria can prevent light penetration from reaching submersed plants in the littoral zone and reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water body. This may result in death of plants as well as a fish kill.
2) Some strands of cyanobacteria can release cyanotoxins that are dangerous for animals and humans (Soong F S ET AL. 1992). It is important to note that not all cyanobacteria is toxic.
If you suspect your pond has an infestation of cyanobacteria it is important to contact a specialist. Specialists can perform on site analysis of the water for some toxins however more extensive tests may take several weeks for results (http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Facts%20from%20cdc%20Blue%20Green.pdf). It is advised that you avoid drinking, swimming or partaking in recreational activities and irrigating with the infected water.
To manage cyanobacteria, your aquatic specialist can help you reduce the nutrient load of you pond as well as apply an effective chemical treatment.
By: Lucas Pearson, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management
For further information regarding cyanobacteria:
http://www.cdc.gov/habs
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/cclfs.html
Works Cited-
Soong F S, Maynard E, Kirke K, Luke C. Illness associated with blue-green algae. Med J Aust. 1992;156:67.
T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993. The Biology and Evolution of Fossil Plants. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7673.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanobacteria#cite_note-31
Happy Holidays!
The AQUA DOC offices will be closed from 2:00pm Wednesday, November 27, through Monday, December 2 at 8:00am.
The predictions for the coming winter call for harsh conditions and bitter cold. In mild winters, in which ponds do not freeze over, the likelihood of a fish kill is lower than in cold winters. When extended periods of bitter cold cause ponds to ice over, and especially if the pond becomes snow covered, sunlight penetration of the water will be greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated. The lack of sunlight reduces the oxygen produced which can result in a fish kill. 
Fall is upon us and the leaves will soon be falling from the trees. Leaves that fall into your watergarden can easily clog the pump which can lead to maintenance issues. Installing a Laguna Pond Net with Stakes is a great way to protect your watergarden from this debris. Virtually invisible, the black netting is easy to install and simply floats on top of the water. The netting will shield your water from not only the leaves and debris, but predators as well. Available in three sizes, 12'x15', 15'x20' and 20'x30', the Laguna Pond Net with Stakes is available in the AQUA DOC retail store, by phone order or online. Call us today for more details on the Laguna Pond Net with Stakes and more great products to Winterize your watergarden.
Water lilies are small aquatic plants with flat glossy leaves and a flower that blooms in a variety of colors. The water lily grows from a bulb, but the flower and foliage float on the surface of the water. Water lilies are quite lovely and add to the aesthetic beauty of ponds, lakes and water gardens. Water lilies are beneficial to the water as they provide shelter for fish and wildlife, as well as shade which inhibits algae growth. However, the water lily is a hardy plant that reproduces rapidly and can quickly spread to cover the water. When the water lilies spread to nuisance levels they can deter fishing and recreation and may be less aesthetically pleasing.
The Bluegill is a common North American fish. Ranging in size form 6-8 inches and weighing between 1/4 - 1/2 pound, the Bluegill is a member of the sunfish family and sometimes referred to as a bream, brim or copper nose. The Bluegill is known as a popular game fish that is easy to catch. The Bluegill will bite at brightly colored bait at dawn and dusk. Perfect baits for this fish include live bait, flies, corn and spinners. Bluegills often seek shelter in underwater vegetation of lakes and ponds. 
Planktonic algae are always present and preventative measures are often sufficient to keep the levels stable. A pond dye, such as AQUA DOC Blue will shade the water which limits photosynthesis and controls the growth. Shading is particularly effective when applied in early spring to prevent initial growth. However, extra nutrients in the water from sources such as lawn fertilizers and goose excrement feed the algae and blooms can occur. Severe blooms are a concern for many reasons ranging from aesthetics to oxygen depletion and possible fish kills. Copper sulfate and Cutrine Plus are common treatments for planktonic blooms, however several treatments are often necessary as re-blooms can occur. Both products are available for order on our website. Always read the product label before use.
Keep your pond aesthetically pleasing with AQUA DOC Blue. This product will give the water a pleasant blue hue, but will not stain fish, waterfowl or bathing suits. AQUA DOC Blue works by inhibiting the growth of aquatic plants and can be used in natural or man-made lakes and ponds as well as ornamental and fish farming bodies of water with little or no overflow.
