News & Events
- BFS Annual Reports for all years (1968 to 2022) are now available.
- 2023 field work and internships are underway!
In 2022, Otsego Lake experienced cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom conditions from abundant growth of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. This cyanobacteria can produce algal toxins known as Microcystins, and so is a public health concern.
To answer questions and concerns from the Otsego Lake community, we are providing links to information about HABs from the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health. Shoreline conditions can change quickly. Avoid contact with cloudy or discolored water and surface scums. Pets are especially vulnerable. Water supply questions are addressed on the NYS Dept. of Health Harmful Algal Bloom Information Page. Additional information on the conditions in Otsego Lake will be included as the summer progresses.
From the DEC:
"Avoid contact with HABs. HABs in large lakes or rivers may be limited to specific shorelines or confined bays. Portions of any of these waterbodies may be clear and fully support recreational uses.
The public should use the information on the NYS DEC Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Notifications Page to help them make informed decisions about where and when to recreate, particularly outside of designated swimming areas. Swimmers and recreational users should remember that health and safety cannot be assured outside of designated swimming areas - for more swimming information, visit DEC's swimming webpage."
2023 sample collection will focus on developing a better understanding of the variation in temperature, nutrients, algal and cyanobacterial abundance, and toxin concentration along depth gradients in Otsego Lake's north end and Hyde Bay, which are subject to prevailing winds in summer. A combination of open water and shoreline sampling will be conducted as summarized below. Microcystis aeruginosa was the main cyanobacteria contributing to Otsego Lake's 2022 Harmful Algal Bloom conditions (CyanoHABs) and is the reason behind this intensive research and monitoring effort. In addition to the work described below, BFS has increased monitoring of the streams, NYS DEC is conducting lake and watershed sampling, and the Otsego Lake Association will be sampling as part of the NYS Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program. A Google map showing the sample locations is available here.
In 2022, we learned that toxin concentrations were at a level of concern anytime there were visible cyanoHAB accumulations at the water surface or along the shoreline. Individual lake users MUST use caution and assess the conditions prior to engaging in lake activities. Conditions change quickly.
Open Water Sampling
10 sites will be included for toxin monitoring in 2023. Eight sites are located along two main transects; A North-South transect following the main axis of the lake - from 7C in the North End to 1C in the South End off Fairy Springs (7C - 6C - 5C - 4C - 3C - 2C - 1C) and an West-East transect mid-lake into Hyde Bay (5W, 5C, 5HB). More detailed water sampling and data collection from the surface to bottom will take place at three sites (2C, 4C, and 6C); some samples collected here will be sent out for certified analysis and will be included in the work done to construct a lake model in support of the Watershed Supervisory Committee's development of a 9-Element Plan for the Otsego Lake Watershed.
Open water collection sites will be visited approximately every other week beginning June 1st, with water quality measurements and water samples taken from the surface to bottom at each site. Equipment has been ordered that will also allow for estimates of algal community composition (based on pigments) and colony counts.
Shoreline Water Sampling
Shoreline stations will be sampled at least weekly, based on Microcystis abundance. Shoreline stations will include those sampled in 2022, with the addition of a site at the Lakefront, west of the Village docks. Initially, shoreline samples will be collected at Biological Field Station docks concurrent with open water sampling. If cyanoHAB conditions are reported and confirmed, all shoreline sites will be sampled. These samples will be analyzed for Total Microcystins and results posted on the Biological Field Station website. The CAAS Cube (automated cyanotoxin analysis system) is fully operational, as of late June.
2023 Otsego Lake HAB Monitoring Updates
Samples for Total Microcystins (MC) analysis were collected Otsego Lake at four of the open water sites on September 18th. The primary mid-lake site (TR4-C) was sampled from the surface down to ~52 feet (16 meters). Toxins were detectable, but at low concentrations, in open water down to ~26 feet. Colonies of the cyanobacteria Microcystis were present at all sites visited at moderate abundance. Light foam was observed at the water surface in all areas of the lake. Results for all sites are below for informational purposes and Open water site locations can be viewed via GoogleMaps: 2023 Otsego Lake Transect Sampling Map. The BFS is not an ELAP-certified laboratory. For context, in New York State, public swimming beaches can be re-opened when water is visible clear for 24 hours and toxin concentration is less than 4 µg/L.
Lake users should continue to use caution. Expect small blooms to come and go, along the shoreline and/or at the surface in protected areas (boat slips, small coves, etc.), with sunny afternoons being a prime time for them to appear. Avoid discolored or cloudy water, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
Total Microcystins (MC) Results:
| Open Water Sites | |
| Monday, September 18, 2023 | |
| Site & Depth | MC (µg/L) |
| TR1-C Surface | 0.2 µg/L |
| TR2-C Surface | 0.2 µg/L |
| TR4-C Surface | 0.2 µg/L |
| - 1.5m / 5 ft | 0.2 µg/L |
| - 4m / 13 ft | < 0.15 µg/L |
| - 8m / 26 ft | < 0.15 µg/L |
| - 12m / 39 ft | not detected |
| - 16m / 52.5 ft | not detected |
| TR6-C Surface | 0.2 µg/L |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory. Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube, according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
US EPA Advisories for Total Microcystins:
Drinking Water: 0.3 µg/L for bottle-fed infants and pre-school aged children; 1.6 µg/L for school children and adults.
Recreational Contact: 8 µg/L
See more information from the US EPA Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms program.
Samples for Total Microcystins (MC) analysis were collected from Otsego Lake shoreline sites on September 12th. Colonies of the cyanobacteria Microcystis were present at moderate to high abundance. Bloom conditions were observed in the form of surface accumulations (streaks). Elevated toxin levels were associated with some isolated debris patches that were not obviously HABs. Other small shoreline patches of cloudy water and foamy accumulations containing plant and insect debris were observed and sampled, but did not necessarily contain high toxin concentrations. Results for all sites are below for informational purposes. The BFS is not an ELAP-certified laboratory.
Lake users should continue to use caution. Expect small blooms to come and go, along the shoreline and/or at the surface in protected areas (boat slips, small coves, etc.), with sunny afternoons being a prime time for them to appear. Avoid discolored or cloudy water, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins. At the time of shoreline sampling HAB conditions were present or developing at the Otsego Sailing Club, Three Mile Point, and 5 Mile Point, and were waning at Springfield Public Landing (patch was faded brown, toxins not detected).
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
Total Microcystins (MC) Results:
| Shoreline Sites | |
| Tuesday, September 12, 2023 | MC (µg/L) |
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | 0.3 µg/L |
| Lakefront | |
| - Boat Launch | < 0.15 µg/L |
| - Village Dock End (day slip) | 0.2 µg/L |
| Cooperstown Country Club Dock | 0.2 µg/L |
| BFS Main Lab | |
| - Dock End | 0.2 µg/L |
| - Dock, middle North side | 6.0 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club | |
| - Swim Dock, South side | 1.0 µg/L |
| - Swim Dock, North side* | 1.2 µg/L |
| Three Mile Point | |
| - Swim Dock | 0.3 µg/L |
| - Shoreline debris patch | 1.0 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point Dock (East end) | |
| - Dock, East end | 0.2 µg/L |
| - Dock, South side* | 1.8 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse | |
| - Dock End | 0.2 µg/L |
| - Foam Accumulation (wind-driven) | 0.3 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing | |
| - Swim Dock | not detected |
| - Shoreline debris patch | not detected |
| * Microcystis accumulating at water surface, streaky in appearance | |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory. Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube, according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Samples for Total Microcystins (MC) analysis were collected from Otsego Lake on September 5th (shoreline sites) and Sept. 6th (open water sites). Colonies of the cyanobacteria Microcystis were present at all sites visited at moderate to high abundance, toxins were detectable in open water down to ~13 feet. Shoreline bloom conditions were observed during sample collection and elevated toxin levels were associated with some isolated debris patches that were not obviously HABs.
Results for all sites are below for informational purposes. The BFS is not an ELAP-certified laboratory. Open water site locations can be viewed via GoogleMaps: 2023 Otsego Lake Transect Sampling Map.
High temperatures and sunny conditions are increasing the possibility of bloom conditions, especially during afternoons. Lake users should continue to use caution. Localized blooms can form intermittently. Avoid discolored or cloudy water, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins. At the time of shoreline sampling, the Springfield Public Landing was the only location with obvious HAB conditions and was clearly posted with signage.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
Total Microcystins (MC) Results:
| Shoreline Sites | |
| Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | MC (µg/L) |
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | not detected |
| Lakefront: Boat Launch | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Cooperstown Country Club | |
| Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Swim Dock at Beach | > 5 µg/L |
| BFS Main Lab N side of dock | |
| Dock End | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Dock, middle North side | 18.6 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club Swim Dock | 0.5 µg/L |
| Three Mile Point Swim Dock | 0.2 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point | |
| Dock | 0.2 µg/L |
| Boat Slip (foamy debris) | 0.2 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing | |
| Dock | 0.3 µg/L |
| Shoreline accumulation | 8.2 µg/L |
| Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | MC (µg/L) |
| BFS Main Lab North side of dock | > 20 µg/L |
| Open Water Sites | |
| Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | |
| Site & Depth | MC (µg/L) |
| TR1-C Surface | not detected |
| TR2-C Surface | 0.2 µg/L |
| TR4-C Surface | 0.3 µg/L |
| 1.5m / 5 ft | 0.2 µg/L |
| 4m / 13 ft | < 0.15 µg/L |
| 8m / 26 ft | not detected |
| 12m / 39 ft | not detected |
| TR6-C Surface | 0.8 µg/L |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory. Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube,according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Results Update: Samples collected August 22, 2023 for Total Microcystins analysis.
Colonies of the cyanobacteria Microcystis were present at all sites visited at low to moderate abundance. No bloom conditions were observed during sample collection. Results for all sites are below. Shoreline debris from aquatic plants, insects, etc. was apparent at most locations - these types of debris accumulations were sampled; while most did not contain high toxins concentrations, toxins were present.
Lake users should continue to use caution. Localized blooms can form intermittently. Avoid discolored or cloudy water, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins. Areas of clear water (free of scums, debris, and foam) have not been associated with elevated toxins levels in Otsego Lake this year.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
| Shoreline Sites | MC (µg/L) |
| Fairy Springs Park: Swim Dock | not detected |
| Lakefront | |
| Boat Launch | not detected |
| Village Dock End (day slip) | not detected |
| Cooperstown Country Club | |
| Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Beach debris patch | < 0.15 µg/L |
| BFS Main Laboratory Dock (end) | not detected |
| Otsego Sailing Club | |
| Swim Dock | 0.2 µg/L |
| West Docks | not detected |
| Three Mile Point: Swim Dock | not detected |
| 5 Mile Point: East end of dock | 0.3 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock | not detected |
| Springfield Public Landing | |
| Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Shoreline debris patch | 1.3 µg/L |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory.
Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube, according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Water samples and water quality data were collected on August 10 and August 16, 2023; results are below. Microcystis colonies were visible in surface waters in moderate abundance, but toxins were not detected at most sites. A very small area of the shoreline at the BFS Main Lab was cloudy with abundant Microcystis colonies for a short period of time; this area was sampled and contained elevated toxin concentration. Site locations can be viewed via GoogleMaps: 2023 Otsego Lake Transect Sampling Map
Protected areas may be prone to small, localized accumulations/blooms (coves, boat slips, areas around floating dock sections, etc.), so lake users should assess conditions to protect young children and pets. Next sample collection is anticipated the week of 21 August and will include 10 shoreline sites.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
|
Open Water Sites Total Microcystins (µg/L) |
|
|
|
Site |
10-Aug |
16-Aug |
|
TR2-C |
- - |
Not detected |
|
TR4-C |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
TR6-C |
- - |
< 0.15 µg/L |
|
Shoreline Sites |
|
|
|
Site |
10-Aug |
16-Aug |
|
BFS Main Laboratory Dock (end) |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
BFS Main Lab Shoreline |
- - |
15.7 µg/L |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory.
Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube,according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Samples were collected from Otsego Lake yesterday, July 24, 2023, at three open water sites and two shoreline locations. Other sites were not sampled due to weather conditions. Open Water Site locations can be viewed via GoogleMaps: 2023 Otsego Lake Transect Sampling Map.
No surface accumulations or shoreline scums have been documented or confirmed to date and water clarity is high. Total Microcystins (MC), the class of toxins associated with Microcystis, were not detected in samples collected on 24 July. Microcystis colonies have been present in surface waters, but at very low abundance. Our next bi-weekly sample collection is anticipated for the week of August 9.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report form.
Results Update: July 24, 2023 Total Microcystins (MC)
| Open Water Sites | |
| Site | MC (µg/L) |
| TR2-C | not detected |
| TR4-C | not detected |
| TR6-C | not detected |
| Shoreline Sites | |
| Site | MC (µg/L) |
| BFS Main Laboratory Dock (end) | not detected |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock | not detected |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory. Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube,according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Open water samples and water quality data were collected on July 12, 2023; Microcystis colonies were visible in surface waters, but no CyanoHAB conditions have been documented or confirmed to date. Toxin analysis for Total Microcystins (MC) concentration: all samples were below the detection limit (< 0.15 ug/L). Site locations can be viewed via GoogleMaps: 2023 Otsego Lake Transect Sampling Map. If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report form.
| Open Water Sites | |
| Site | MC (µg/L) |
| TR1-C | not detected |
| TR2-C | not detected |
| TR3-C | not detected |
| TR4-C | < 0.15 |
| TR5-W | not detected |
| TR5-C | < 0.15 |
| TR5-HB | < 0.15 |
| TR6-C | not detected |
| TR7-C | < 0.15 |
| Shoreline Sites | |
| Site | MC (µg/L) |
| BFS Main Laboratory Dock (end) | not detected |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock | not detected |
These results are for informational purposes; The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is not an ELAP certified laboratory. Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube,according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
Microcystis was not abundant at open water sampling sites, though colonies were observed. No CyanoHAB conditions have been documented or confirmed in Otsego Lake to date.
June 1, 2023 pilot sample collection was successful. All proposed open-water collection sites were visited. No Microcystis was observed at that time.
For More Information
- Willard Harman: Willard.Harman@oneonta.edu or phone (607) 547-6218
- Nancy Devins: Nancy.Devins@oneonta.edu or voicemail (607) 547-8778
Lake Management Graduate Program
Based at the Biological Field Station, SUNY Oneonta's Lake Management graduate program trains students to become effective water resource management professionals. Our innovative program blends scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative skills with professional training in project design, management, and reporting in a real-life setting, working with lake stakeholders directly or with established lake management professionals. For program requirements and application materials, visit SUNY Oneonta's Biology Department Graduate Programs page.
About the Field Station
The Biological Field Station is a facility of SUNY Oneonta consisting of 2,600 acres with 12 major buildings that house laboratories, classrooms, conference spaces, offices and equipment for research support.
The Main Laboratory serves as a focus for analytical procedures essential for research activities in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. There is a large greenhouse, aquarium room, a unique multipurpose laboratory, four analytical laboratories, offices and conference spaces creating a compact and versatile research complex. Its location on Otsego Lake just north of the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown, NY, at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River is uniquely situated, and has the capacity to provide excellent opportunities for field studies by advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
The Thayer Farm, with access to the north end of Otsego Lake, contains the Hop House with three classrooms/laboratories, and office and conference spaces. The Upland Interpretive Center provides access to the farm and Rum Hill trails, maintains curated collections, serves as a trailhead shelter and includes a conference center/classroom, offices and additional space for research support. There is also a residential building, workshop, equipment bays and storage including space for more than 12 powerboats. The boathouse contains workspace, a laboratory/classroom, offices and a diving locker.
A new laboratory dedicated primarily to ornithology is located above Moe Pond on the Upper Research Site, the oldest of our research areas, serving since 1967. Greenwoods Conservancy and Cranberry Bog and its watershed are our most remote areas with resident populations of fisher and otter, endangered plants with few nuisance exotics present. A conference center/classroom, wet laboratory and residence provide excellent summer access.
Goodyear Swamp Sanctuary, at the north end of Otsego Lake, has historically been open to the public with trails and raised walkways; the boardwalk is currently closed to the public until further notice, as major repairs are needed. Funding for this work has been secured through a combination of generous donations, including a match by the Scriven Foundation, and a successful collaborative grant application with the Otsego County Conservation Association. Work is anticipated in 2022.