Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, plays a vital role in the state’s ecosystem and water management.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, plays a vital role in the state’s ecosystem and water management. Spanning 730 square miles with an average depth of just 9 feet, it serves as a crucial water source for agriculture and flood control. Connected to the Everglades through canals, it’s also a popular destination for fishing, boating and birdwatching.
However, the lake faces increasing harmful cyanobacteria blooms, particularly from the toxin-producing species Microcystis aeruginosa. These microscopic algae thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters and can form harmful algal blooms. Known for their diel (daily) vertical migration, cyanobacteria move up and down the water column daily to access light and nutrients, making them more resilient in turbid waters like Lake Okeechobee.
While diel vertical migration is well-documented, its impact on bloom development and water quality remains unclear. Understanding this movement is crucial for managing the risks associated with harmful algal blooms.
Read more at: Florida Atlantic University
Florida’s Lake Okeechobee faces increasing harmful cyanobacteria blooms, particularly from the toxin-producing species Microcystis aeruginosa. (Photo Credit: Florida Atlantic University)
