Lagoon Life: Harmful algae bloom levels for Jan. 1

BREVARD COUNTY — ChlorophyllA (ChlA, or algae bloom) levels for the week of Jan. 1 to Jan. 7 have been shared by Save Our Indian River Lagoon in their weekly update, with results showing variable changes across the board.

According to the report, three areas of the lagoon fell below the healthy threshold for ChlA levels in the water, The Northern-North IRL (N-NIRL), Northern Banana River Lagoon (N-BRL), and Central-North IRL (C-NIRL), wrapping the week below six µg/L.

Most other areas of the lagoon ended the week marginally above the healthy threshold, experiencing median ChlA concentrations in the low-level bloom range between 6 to 20 µg/L. The Southern Mosquito Lagoon (SML), Central Banana River Lagoon (C-BRL), Southern Banana River Lagoon (S-BRL), and Southern-North IRL (S-NIRL) areas of the lagoon all fell into this range.

One area of the lagoon experienced a substantial jump in ChlA levels this week. The North-Central IRL (N-CIRL) observed a 12.4 increase in ChlA levels, rising from 10.8 to 23.2 µg/L on Jan. 5, ending the week in the mid-level bloom range between 20 to 80 µg/L.

In the report released last week, most areas of the lagoon saw net decreases across the board. Just two areas of the lagoon saw minor increases.

Harmful algae blooms occur when large colonies of algae grow out of control. These blooms can be extremely deadly to the wildlife, producing toxins that can kill fish, mammals, birds, and even hurt humans. Algae blooms also absorb a large portion of the available oxygen in the water.

All information in this report is provided by Save Our Indian River Lagoon, an organization dedicated to lagoon health and outreach. For more information on them and the lagoon, visit https://www.brevardfl.gov/SaveOurLagoon.