Workshop: Collection, identification and ecology of freshwater algae with an emphasis on harmful algal bloom species

Algae are an important part of a properly functioning natural aquatic system, but when algae become over abundant, water uses and habitat are often impaired. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming an urgent and persistent issue in many Michigan lakes. We will cover proper collection and identification approaches that are essential to understanding your lake and selecting a successful management strategy. This workshop is intended to provide information on how to collect and recognize common genera within major groups of algae, with an emphasis on HAB algae. The workshop will also cover basic algal ecology and the methods used to control algae, but with only 3 hours, we can only introduce participants to issues and options. The workshop will consist of both lectures and live microscope imagery and participants are encouraged to send samples to PhycoTech in advance of the workshop for help with their specific lake. A link will be provided to participants with all of the lectures, additional supplementary resources, and annotated images taken during the workshop.

Presented by Ann St. Amand, PhycoTech, during the 2020 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.