Terry Knight recently wrote an article “Growing Curiosity” (Observer-American; July 27) about invasive weeds and plants. But, like many in Clear Lake who have not kept up with what”s in the water, there is a consistent mischaracterization of blue-green algae as a plant: “Algae are tiny water plants that cycle normally between the bottom and the surface?” (from the article).
Then, in the same paragraph states: “The most common [“in the lake”] are Lyngbya and Gloetrichia.”
But neither of these algae are considered a plant but rather cyanobacteria, which are more closely allied with the animal kingdom even though having some plant-like characteristics.
In addition, while algae may have been in the lake for millions of years, it is only since about 1925 that algae blooms have become a more serious issue resulting from watershed deterioration and consequent excessive nutrient pollution. In addition, even more recent is the fact that scientific research has shown that cyanobacteria can have toxic effects upon humans from mild to serious: kidney, liver, neurological failures and even death.
I think it”s because Terry Knight and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce would prefer various distortions be maintained in the public mind, to cover the truth about what”s actually in the lake.
This might be the natural inclination for the tourist and real estate orientation. At some point, for water quality and health reasons and the public good, perhaps we should know what”s really in the water.
This is a position that would suggest a more responsible position for the government of Clear Lake, which appears to have the same plant but not bacteria political orientation and has demonstrated a lack of responsible governing care for the lake and therefore the people residing.
Maurice Taylor
Clearlake
