Occurrence of a Cylindrospermopsis bloom in Louisiana

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii occurs predominantly in tropical to subtropical freshwaters but appears to be spreading to temperate regions. After the hurricanes of 2005, a bloom of this organism took place in Lake Dauterive and Lake Fausse Pointe in Louisiana. The cyanobacterium dominated the phytoplankton community for three months. Of the three known morphotypes (straight, coiled and spiral) only coiled and spiral were found. In June 2006, 60% of the organisms were of the spiral morphotype but the relative abundance of this morphotype decreased dramatically within the month of June. However, the average density for both morphotypes remained the same until September. Densities (up to 160,000 cells/mL) significantly exceeded the threshold for toxicity. Because the sampled region offers optimal light and nutrient conditions, it is likely that C. raciborskii has been established in this region and future blooms can be expected. Therefore, a monitoring program should be implemented.