Cladophora

Nuisance Algae (Cladophora) In Lake Michigan

For the past five years, large quantities of decaying algae have been fouling Wisconsin´s Lake Michigan shoreline. As the algae and organisms trapped in the algae rot, they generate a pungent septic odor that many people confuse with sewage. Nutrient (phosphorus) sources, zebra mussels, and declining lake levels have been implicated in the recent increase in nuisance algae. The presence of rotting Cladophora on Lake Michigan beaches presents aesthetic and odor problems that impair recreational use of Lake Michigan. Cladophora is a green algae, and does not produce toxins the way blue-green algae can. Cladophora itself does not present a risk to human health. However, Cladophora rotting on a beach promotes bacterial growth. In addition, crustaceans that wash up with the algae can attract large flocks of gulls, resulting in high concentrations of fecal material and bacteria. The bacteria associated with Cladophora can pose a risk to human health.

What is Cladophora?

Cladophora is a green algae found naturally along the Great Lakes coastlines. It grows on submerged rocks, logs or other hard surfaces. Because of Lake Michigan´s water clarity it has been observed growing at well over 30 feet of water depth. Wind and wave action cause the algae to break free from the lake bottom and wash up on shore. Nuisance levels of Cladophora were also a problem in the 1960´s and 1970´s. Research linked these blooms to high phosphorus levels in the water, mainly as a result of human activities such as fertilizing lawns, poorly maintained septic systems, inadequate sewage treatment, agricultural runoff and detergents containing phosphorus. Due to tighter restrictions, phosphorus levels declined during the 1970´s and Cladophora blooms were largely absent in the 1980´s and 90´s. Phosphorus levels in Lake Michigan continue to remain below the thresholds set in the 1970´s, but recent research suggests that the invasion of zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes are responsible for the increase in algae by increasing the availability of phosphorus for Cladophora and increasing water clarity. Because we can not control zebra mussel populations our only management option is to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Michigan.

Please see the following links to learn more about Cladophora, recent research and beach clean up techniques.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact:

Shaili Pfeiffer, Central Office
(608) 267–7630

Mary Gansberg, Northeast Region
(920) 662–5489

John Masterson, Southeast Region
(920) 892–8756, ext. 3055

Last Revised: Tuesday February 02 2010