All About Algae

Algae are basic, usually tiny aquatic creatures. They can be unicellular (a single microscopic cell) or multicellular, with some forming noticeable colonies. Algae can be found attached to various substrates (periphyton) or floating freely in lakes and rivers (phytoplankton). Algae constitute the foundation of most lake food webs and are essential components of a healthy aquatic environment. Algae are constantly found in lakes and rivers. When conditions are favourable, certain algae populations can grow to such an extent that water quality suffers, resulting in an algal bloom or scum. These microscopic plants grow floating in the water column and can exist as single or groups of cells.

Quick Guide - Source: Muskoka Watershed Council

Source: Muskoka Watershed Council

Algae are always present in lakes and rivers. When conditions are favourable, certain populations of algae can increase to levels that result in poor water quality and an algal bloom or scum may form.

Click Here for the Algae Quick Guide Brochure

Other Algae Resources:

• Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) - Algae Fact Sheet
  

• Ministry of Environment - Blue-Green Algae Resource
  

Report a suspected blue-green algal bloom

Submit a report online, or call the Spills Action Centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Toll-free: 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477)

• Toll-free TTY: 1-855-889-5775