News & Events
- BFS is carrying out intensive Lake & Watershed monitoring to support the Watershed Supervisory Committee’s development of a Nine Element (9E) Watershed Pan for the protection and management of the Otsego Lake Watershed.
- BFS Annual Reports for all years (1968 to 2023) are available online.
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."
Recreational Contact:
In New York State, Regulated Swimming Beaches are closed based on visual indication of a bloom and can be re-opened after the bloom has dissipated (visual assessment) and the total microcystin concentration is less than 4 µg/L in a sample collected the following day. Link to Dept. of Health Bloom Response and Regulated Beaches page.
Drinking Water Health Advisory Levels for Microcystins (Based on US EPA Guidance).
Adverse health effects are not anticipated to occur over 10-day exposures when concentrations in drinking water are less than:
- Bottle-fed infacts & pre-school children: 0.3 µg/L
- School-age children and adults: 1.6 µg/L
For More Information:
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, can produce compounds that are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Microcystis aeruginosa is the cyanobacteria currently causing bloom conditions in Otsego Lake; toxins have been detected in association with its growth.
September 13: Cyanobacterial blooms have been reported this week along portions of the western shore and at the lake surface during calm conditions; blooms are likely to continue with the current weather pattern (sunny, calm, warm). Toxins are present lake-wide (open water and near shore) and elevated concentrations have occurred in areas where Microcystis colonies are accumulating. Samples were collected from four open water sites and in Rat Cove on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Test results for Total Microcystins are below for informational purposes. The BFS is not an ELAP certified laboratory.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
| Open Water (Mid-Lake) Sites and Depth | Total Microcystins in micrograms per liter, or parts per billion (ppb) |
|---|---|
| TR2-C Surface | 0.37 |
| TR4-C Surface | 0.29 |
| TR4-C Surface - 4m / 13 ft | 0.29 |
| TR4-C Surface - 8m / 26 ft | 0.22 |
| TR4-C Surface - 12m / 39 ft | < 0.15 |
| TR4-C Surface - 16m / 52.5 ft | < 0.15 |
| TR5-C Surface | 4.24 |
| TR6-C Surface | 0.57 |
| Sample Location | MC (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| BFS Main Lab (in Rat Cove) - Dock End | 0.72 |
| BFS Main Lab (in Rat Cove) - North Side of Dock* | 8.20 |
| BFS Main Lab (in Rat Cove) - South Side of Dock | .85 |
* Microcystis beginning to rise to surface
Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube, according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
August 29, 2024: Water samples were collected on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from both mid-lake/open water and shoreline locations for Total Microcystins analysis. In summary, isolated shoreline bloom conditions were reported several days this week, forming later in the afternoons at locations along the western shore and north end of Otsego Lake. Toxins are present lake-wide (open water and near shore) and have increased slightly since last week in most areas, reflecting the continued growth of the cyanobacteria in the surface layer of the lake.
Test results for Total Microcystins, the toxins produced by this cyanobacteria, in these samples are provided below for informational purposes. The debris at the Springfield Public Landing break-wall contained remnants of a bloom reported on Sunday Aug. 25; cyanobacteria were noticeably degraded (visual assessment) and contained low Total Microcystins concentrations.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
Our next round of shoreline sampling will take place during the week of Sept. 2, with results anticipated Thursday.
Results Update:
| Open Water (Mid-Lake) Sites and Depth | Total Microcystins in micrograms per liter, or parts per billion (ppb) |
|---|---|
| Near Data Buoy (TR4-C) - Surface | 0.51 |
| Near Data Buoy (TR4-C) - 4m / 13 ft | 0.42 |
| Near Data Buoy (TR4-C) - 8m / 26 ft | 0.26 |
| West of Hyde Bay (TR5-C) Surface | 0.54 |
| Sample Location | MC (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | 0.60 |
| Lakefront, Village Dock End (day slip) | 0.20 |
| Cooperstown Country Club Dock | -- |
| BFS Main Lab, Dock End | 0.22 |
| BFS Main Lab, Dock, South side | 0.30 |
| Three Mile Point Swim Dock | -- |
| Otsego Sailing Club, Swim Dock, South side | 0.42 |
| Otsego Sailing Club, Swim Dock, North side1 | 0.50 |
| 5 Mile Point, Dock, East end | 0.27 |
| 5 Mile Point, Between shore & docks | 0.22 |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse, Dock End | 0.43 |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse, Slight Surface Accumulation | 0.43 |
| Springfield Public Landing, Swim Dock | 0.27 |
| Springfield Public Landing, Shoreline debris patch2 | 0.32 |
1surface debris and foam
2patch brown; seems to be dead Microcystis
Analytical Method: Total Microcystins ELISA (ADDA) via CAAS Cube, according to EPA Method 546. Method detection limit 0.1 µg/L.
For context regarding swimming areas, according to the Department of Health, Regulated Swimming Beaches are closed based on visual indication of a bloom and re-opened after the bloom has dissipated (visual assessment) and the total microcystin concentration is less than 4 ug/L in a sample collected the following day. Link to Dept. of Health Bloom Response and Regulated Beaches page.
August 22, 2024: Samples were collected from 10 shoreline sites on Wednesday, Aug. 21. At the time of collection, no bloom conditions were documented, though wind was causing debris and foam to accumulate in protected areas, which were sampled directly at several locations.
Test results for Total Microcystins, the toxins produced by this cyanobacteria, in these samples are provided below for informational purposes. Toxins were detected at all sites; most foamy accumulations contained slightly elevated concentrations. The debris at the Springfield Public Landing break-wall contained more cyanobacteria (visual assessment) and contained 5 micrograms per liter Total Microcystins. Our next round of shoreline sampling will take place during the week of Aug. 26, with results anticipated Thursday.
| Sample Location | MC (micrograms per liter) |
|---|---|
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Lakefront, Village Dock End (day slip) | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Cooperstown Country Club Dock | 0.18 µg/L |
| BFS Main Lab - Dock End | 0.34 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club – N side, swim dock | 0.43 µg/L |
| Three Mile Point Swim Dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point - Dock, East end | 0.21 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point – boat slip* | 0.22 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock End | 0.16 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing Swim Dock | 0.73 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing: debris patch along breakwall | 5.4 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.
August 15, 2024: As of this week, the abundance of the cyanobacteria Microcystis is rising, and with it, the risk for intermittent blooms along the shorelines. We are providing this update out of caution; the weather forecast for Friday August 16th is for calm winds, full sun, and warm afternoon temperatures - this may present ideal conditions for localized surface accumulations or shoreline blooms. Lake users should pay attention to conditions before allowing children and pets to wade. Those monitoring swimming beaches should continue to watch the conditions in swim areas closely, as blooms can form and/or dissipate quickly. See below for precautions; links to the NYS DEC and Departments of Health are provided for additional information and precautions.
Our latest test results for Total Microcystins, the toxins produced by this cyanobacteria, indicate that toxins were present in samples collected Tuesday, Aug. 13 at three mid-lake sites and six shoreline sites. Results for those samples are available below. Our next round of shoreline sampling will take place Wednesday, Aug. 21, with results anticipated Thursday.
Results Update:
| Mid-Lake Sample Location | Total Microcystins (micrograms per liter) |
|---|---|
| TR2-C (Near Kingfisher Tower) | 0.18 |
| TR4-C (near data buoy) | 0.22 |
| TR6-C (Near Sunken Island) | 1.16 |
| Sample Location | MC (micrograms per liter) |
|---|---|
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | not sampled |
| Lakefront, Village Dock End (day slip) | not sampled |
| Cooperstown Country Club Dock | not sampled |
| BFS Main Lab - Dock End | 0.18 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club Swim Dock | 0.22 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club – N side, swim dock | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Three Mile Point Swim Dock | 0.21 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point - Dock, East end | 0.21 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point – boat slip* | 0.29 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock End | 0.58 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer BH, foamy debris accumulation | 0.50 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing Swim Dock | 0.63 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.
July 19, 2024: A bloom of cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) was detected on Otsego Lake at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Boathouse (~6 Mile Point, near Sunken Island) around 9:30 am on July 10, 2024, reported by Paul Lord. It was later confirmed by Kiyoko Yokota to be composed of Microcystis aeruginosa, the same species as in the 2022 and 2023 cyanobacterial blooms or cHABs (cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms) in Otsego Lake. Samples have been collected for in-house microcystins (a type of toxins produced by cyanobacteria) testing at BFS, results are available below.
In summary, Total Microcystins were not detected in most samples, however there were varying levels detected where cyanobacterial bloom conditions were observed, at the BFS' Thayer Boathouse and 5 Mile Point.
Thayer Boathouse: Bloom was observed in the morning, had improved by the time samples were collected. Toxins present, but at relatively low concentrations.
5 Mile Point: Small patch of accumulating Microcystis colonies; this was directly sampled and found to have elevated toxin concentrations.
| SAMPLE LOCATION | MC (micrograms per liter) |
|---|---|
| TR4-C (near data buoy) | 0.18 |
| TR5-C (mid-lake, widest pt) | not detected |
| TR6-C (North End) | not detected |
*sample taken in a “wind-row” formed by strong winds; contained typical lake debris and small amounts of foam.
| SAMPLE LOCATION | MC (micrograms per liter) |
|---|---|
| Fairy Springs Swim Dock | not detected |
| Lakefront, Village Dock End (day slip) | not detected |
| Cooperstown Country Club Dock | not detected |
| BFS Main Lab - Dock End | not detected |
| BFS Main Lab - Surface debris patch | < 0.15 µg/L |
| Otsego Sailing Club Swim Dock | not detected |
| Three Mile Point Swim Dock | not detected |
| 5 Mile Point - Dock, East end | < 0.15 µg/L |
| 5 Mile Point - Between Dock & Shore* | > 10 µg/L |
| BFS Thayer Boathouse Dock End | 0.43 µg/L |
| Springfield Public Landing Swim Dock | not detected |
* Microcystis accumulating at water surface, small patch.
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.
Precautions
As always, lake users should use caution and check the water conditions prior to use, as bloom conditions are known to change quickly. Keep watch along the shoreline and at the surface in protected areas (boat slips, small coves, etc.). Avoid discolored or cloudy water, green streaks, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins. Pets are particularly vulnerable. At the time of shoreline sampling HAB conditions were present or developing at 5 Mile Point and the Thayer Boathouse in protected areas around the docks and shoreline.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
For context regarding swimming areas, according to the Department of Health, Regulated Swimming Beaches are closed based on visual indication of a bloom and re-opened after the bloom has dissipated (visual assessment) and the total microcystin concentration is less than 4 ug/L in a sample collected the following day. Link to Dept. of Health Bloom Response and Regulated Beaches page.
July 2, 2024: Update Based on observations and samples analyzed by staff of the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station on July 2, 2024. Results are provided here for informational purposes. The BFS is not an ELAP Certified Laboratory.
Cyanobacteria presence: Microcystis aeruginosa is present at low abundance. No reports of shoreline blooms have been received; no concerning conditions observed by BFS staff as of July 2.
Toxin presence: An analysis for Total Microcystins revealed that none were present in the July 2nd samples.
Water samples from Otsego Lake were collected on July 2nd from four mid-lake locations and the BFS Main Laboratory dock, in Rat Cove. Approximate sample locations are shown in the map below. Routine sampling for toxins will continue. We are prepared to ramp up our sample collection should the conditions warrant, with shoreline sites around the lake in addition to the open water locations.
If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation HABs Program via the online report tool.
June 4, 2024: Pine Pollen collecting on surface of Otsego Lake and other local waterbodies. The Biological Field Station has received calls from concerned citizens with questions about yellow-olive green accumulations on the lake surface. Pine pollen is the culprit; large yellowish-green patches have been reported at the surface, sometimes very dense, as in the photograph below. Wind contributes to formation of dense patches, especially in bays and protected areas along docks and boat slips. The color and appearance of the pollen is similar to the dense cyanobacteria scums associated with Microcystis aeruginosa, but the pollen is not a public health concern.
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.