Watershed Trivia: Species of Planktonic Diatom in our Lakes

by | Mar 23, 2023 | News, Watershed Trivia

Watershed Trivia Question: Since monitoring began in 2004, how many species of planktonic diatom have been identified in Glen and Fisher Lakes? And has the diversity gone up or down over the years?

Watershed Trivia Answer: Rob Karner reports 19 different diatoms (a type of microscopic algae), and species diversity is less now than in the previous decade. One can only speculate on the cause of the decline.

Underwater view of Glen Lake / Photo by Rob Karner