Paradigm Shift for BGA Control
The following memo summarizes our experience regarding the ecological relationships in lakes, ponds and reservoirs associated with the control of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms through SolarBee circulation. There are now over 300 such water bodies benefiting from SolarBee circulation. Our experience and knowledge continues to increase greatly, and we have strengthened considerably both the scientific and empirical support for the ecological relationships described below.
These relationships reveal a conceptually new paradigm for eutrophication control. Rather than trying to limit overall algal growth through reductions in nutrient availability (primarily phosphorus), SolarBee-induced long-distance circulation (LDC) prevents harmful algal blooms (HABs), primarily blue-green algae in freshwater and dinoflagellates in saltwater, through habitat disturbance. This form of bio-manipulation selects against HABs while favoring beneficial algae that enhance complex aquatic food webs. The sustainable benefits to overall lake ecology through LDC are contrasted against traditional in-lake management approaches dealing primarily with the symptoms of eutrophication.