Depth-Resolved Algal Bloom Mapping at Lake Okeechobee, FL

Effective management of HABs requires extensive, long-term water quality monitoring capable of capturing the complex conditions that lead to bloom formation. Because HAB events are highly unpredictable, it is essential to collect a wide array of water quality parameters across both bloom and non-bloom seasons to identify the intricate combination of environmental triggers involved. In Lake Okeechobee, this need is especially important due to its relatively shallow depth, which creates unique thermal and ecological dynamics that differ substantially from those observed in deeper lakes. These site-specific differences may influence bloom frequency, intensity, and duration, making detailed, sustained monitoring a critical step toward understanding HAB behavior in this system.

To address this need, the proposed work will involve several months of intensive water quality data collection in and/or near Lake Okeechobee, extending through the bloom season and including approximately 30 days before and after to capture rapid seasonal transitions. Surface water sampling and subsurface sensor measurements will be supported by HAB ecology and monitoring experts, who will also assist with equipment setup, deployment, and routine maintenance. The newly collected data from Lake Okeechobee will be compared to historical datasets from Clinton Lake in Lawrence, KS, enabling a comparative analysis of HAB triggers across two distinct lake environments. This comparison is expected to provide valuable insights into the site-specific behavior of HABs in Lake Okeechobee and contribute to a broader understanding of bloom dynamics. Ultimately, the objective is to generate the critical information needed to elucidate the environmental drivers of HAB formation in Lake Okeechobee.