New Project on Benthic Cyanobacteria

Benthic cyanobacteria grow on lakebeds rather than the water's surface and can sometimes take the form of globules.

This summer, the Lake Champlain Committee partnered with Tetra Tech and launched a new project aimed at better understanding and monitoring benthic cyanobacteria blooms. Benthic cyanobacteria are a type of cyanobacteria that grow on lake bottoms and shorelines, in Lake Champlain and nearby inland lakes. Unlike the more common surface blooms, benthic cyanobacteria can produce harmful toxins without any visible signs, threatening pets, wildlife, and people.  

The benthic cyanobacteria monitoring program trains volunteers to identify and sample these blooms, helping scientists evaluate their distribution, toxicity, and environmental factors. Monitors survey the shoreline for benthic cyanobacteria, and if they suspect their presence, take samples for further lab analysis. By combining community science with DNA and toxin tests, we can create a local monitoring plan that can help protect ecosystems and public health.  

If you are interested in participating in the benthic monitoring program next season, feel free to contact both Lindsey Cookson (lindseyc@lakechamplaincommittee.org) and Ismar Biberovic (ismar.biberovic@tetratech.com).