Harmful Algae Blooms (HABS)

WHAT ARE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS AND WHO IS AFFECTED? 

Harmful algae blooms, or HABS, occur when colonies of microscopic algae growing in waterways multiply out of control causing environmental and health effects. 

The toxins released effect neuro and respiratory failures to fish, amoebas and their entire food web 

Algae can migrate to another body of water via wind and grow and cause harmful effects in multiple locations 

Local lakes or ponds can be temporarily shut down as swimming becomes unsafe 

Algae toxins can not be removed by boiling and treating them with chemicals can do more harm than good in the ecosystem 

BioHaven Floating Islands are a chemical-free nature-based solution to HABs. Reach out & learn more!

WHEN DOES AN ALGAE BLOOM HAPPEN? 

  1. Water temperatures in the warm to hot range
  2. Heavy concentrations of excess nutrients such as phosphorus
  3. Non circulating, stagnate water
  4. Migration of algae via wind/circulation to a congested area
  5. Prior storage of nutrients in the localized
  6. sludge area, resurgence of prior blooms

PRIOR TO A BLOOM –

There is a time for mitigating or even eliminating the exposures allowing the bloom to occur…i.e. add oxygen, move nutrients out of area (reductions of concentrations), cool water, circulate and flush – 

SUCCESS STORY: SANTA MARGARITA PILOT PROJECT  

The Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee was formed in 2017 to provide input and recommendations related to the treatment and management of golden algae, with the primary goal of providing and aquatic environment where fish could thrive and fishing be restored. READ MORE

Santa Margarita Floating Island

HOW DID FLOATING ISLANDS HELP? 

Lake infrastructure modifications included the installation of (22) floating botanical islands along the perimeter of the Lake. Floating botanical islands will absorb excess nutrient buildup, provide underwater havens for fish, and help oxygenate the water. READ MORE

“Floating Islands West and Jonathan Todd Consulting have transformed our lake. What was budgeted to be a pilot, proved to keep the entire lake clear of any ill effects from the Golden Algae. The water quality, clarity, and overall health of the lake are better than in my memory going back to childhood. We have original homeowners on our lake that have lived here for over thirty years coming in to tell us how wonderful the water looks and that it has never looked anywhere near this nice. Using ecological design strategies JTC and FIW have transformed this lake without the use of any chemicals.”

WETLAND RESTORATION: 

  • CHEMICAL FREE
  • INSTANTLY DEPLOYABLE
  • COST-EFFECTIVE 
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