Listen to All About Algal Blooms on Maine Calling.

Some amount of algae in a lake or coastal waters is normal—even beneficial. But when algae grows out of control, forming an algal “bloom,” it can overtake a body of water, or, even worse, create toxic conditions. Learn what causes these algal blooms, how prevalent they are in Maine, what harm they can cause to humans and animals—and what can be done to protect against them. The show also includes information about other threats to Maine lakes, like the latest spread of invasive swollen bladderwort.

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Swollen  Bladderwort in eight maine waterbodies

Article from a recent MPBN Report by Iselin Bratz

Swollen bladderwort, an invasive aquatic plant first discovered in Maine two years ago, has made its way into eight water bodies in southern and western parts of the state.

John McPhedron, head of the invasive aquatic species unit at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, said the bladderwort poses a risk to local ecosystems.

For the most recent map of aquatic invasives in Maine, click HERE.

For more about how to identify Swollen Bladderwort, see pages I-L of Lake Stewards of Maine’s Supplement to their invasive species guide HERE.

Join the fight to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species by joining an Invasive Plant Patrol Team at the Lake Stewards of Maine. You’ll become an expert in invasive plant identification and help a state-wide effort for early detection and action. FMI, visit the IPP page HERE.