Clear Lake famous for thousands of fish – Lake County Record-Bee

Clear Lake is famous for thousands of fish in the lake. The lake is known for its abundance of different species of fish and the big fish eat the small fish. It’s all part of a food chain.

Along with the high productivity of Clear Lake, algae in the lake can create a situation that can be perceived as a problem to people. Algae are tiny aquatic plants that normally cycle between the bottom and the surface, floating up and sinking. During the day, algae produce oxygen within the lake; at night they consume oxygen.

Nuisance blue-green algae, however, can be a problem. Of the more than 130 species of algae identified in Clear Lake, three species of blue-green algae can create problems under certain conditions. These problems are blue-green algae that usually “bloom” twice a year, in the spring and late summer. The intensity of blooms varies from year to year, and is unpredictable. The problem occurs when algae blooms become trapped on the surface and die. When this happens, unsightly slicks and odors can be produced.

What do we need to know about interactions with cyanobacteria?

Skin irritation or rash is a commonly reported health effect. Other symptoms range from gastrointestinal discomfort to neurological effects. The most severe reaction occurs when large amounts of water are swallowed. Because dogs are smaller than humans and tend to drink water when swimming or licking their fur, it is advisable to keep dogs out of water during cyanobacteria blooms.

If you decide to go into the water, avoid swallowing the water and rinse with tap water immediately after exiting. Use your own best judgment – When in “Doubt, Stay Out!”

Lake County has been treating blue-green algae for more than 100 years and will continue to treat it. Actually the blue-green algae serves as a food source for various types of fish. Small fish called plankton provide a food source for some special types of fish. Plankton feeds on algae.