Metaphyton in Maine Lakes: What Is It? Should We Be Concerned?

Scott Williams: Executive Director and Limnologist, Lake Stewards of Maine 

For more than a decade, public anecdotal observation has suggested that metaphyton, aka green cotton candy-like filamentous algae, has been increasing in Maine lakes. But is it – and if it is, should we be concerned? Citizen scientists can play an important role in answering these persistent questions.