In late August and early September of 2022, a devastating plankton bloom at the Lake Merritt estuary resulted in the complete loss of oxygen in the water, from surface to bottom. Tens of thousands of fish and invertebrates died.
Since then, both intermittent spot monitoring of oxygen levels at various locations, and 24/7 monitoring at 3-4 stations has begun. A two year pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of a device that disperses oxygen near the bottom sediment started in 2023. And, a government process to formulate improvement strategies, led by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, is in the early stages.
In late August and early September of 2022, a devastating plankton bloom at the Lake Merritt estuary resulted in the complete loss of oxygen in the water, from surface to bottom. Tens of thousands of fish and invertebrates died.
Since then, both intermittent spot monitoring of oxygen levels at various locations, and 24/7 monitoring at 3-4 stations has begun. A two year pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of a device that disperses oxygen near the bottom sediment started in 2023. And, a government process to formulate improvement strategies, led by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, is in the early stages.
What is the current status of oxygen levels at the Lake now? To find out, go to “Lake Merritt Commons” at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554247913101.
Information about the recent, localized red tide bloom was posted at “Lake Merritt Commons” on March 10. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554247913101