Sodus/Port Bays have green water syndrome

Sodus Bay and Port Bay residents and visitors have noticed an unusual green color on the embayments, along with the overabundance of aquatic weeds. The rich green discoloration of the water is caused by the overpopulation of microscopic plants known as algae, green algae. The overpopulation of this algae is caused by to many nutrients in the water stimulating growth of these microscopic plants.

Examples of nutrients include: phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment (fine soil particles). Researchers at SUNY Brockport have revealed that Sodus Bay undergoes a "self-fertilization process" each year in July and August. The algae overpopulates, turns the water green, and lowers the oxygen levels to nearly zero, which is not healthy for a warm water fishery.

In addition to the green water syndrome, there is an invasion of a new foreign species of aquatic plant which promises to overwhelm those areas already impacted by weed growth. This new plant is called the Water Chestnut Plant (not the same plant used in Chinese cooking). The chestnut plant has been in the south end of Sodus Bay for at least 15 years and is beginning to make its attack on the rest of the bay. This plant was responsible for closing the Hudson River to commercial marine traffic in the early part of the century.

People must recognize that they can directly influence the amount of nutrients (food) we give the algae and weeds. Lawn fertilizers, septic systems, soil erosion from upstream locations are some of the ways in which we all contribute to the problem.

If you over fertilize your lawns to make them green and plush, and during the evening it rains, some of the excess nutrients go directly into the water, stimulating weed growth. The same thing occurs when septic systems are not maintained and nutrients end up in the water. Everyone must work to prevent contaminated runoff into bodies of water.

And, you should contact elected representative and urge them to make water quality a priority and to support water quality improvement projects.

Freshwater embayments are natural systems with natural processes that we can directly influence with human activity, good and bad. Become stewards of these resources and protect them for future generations.

If you would like more information of how to protect our freshwater resources contact the Wayne County Water Quality Coordinating Committee at 946-4136.

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