In this Enterprise file photo from October 2020, a cyanobacteria bloom turns the water in this section of Santuit Pond in Mashpee a milky green color. ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GENE M. MARCHAND
Cyanobacteria might sound familiar to some Upper Cape residents, and for good reason: levels of this prokaryotic bacteria have been on the rise in freshwater ecosystems across the region for years and with many Upper Cape ponds being monitored this summer, education regarding cyanobacteria is crucial.
Town health officials are working with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod to monitor blooms of cyanobacteria in addition to raising public awareness of the risks and advocating for increased attention to this public health issue.
What started as a small group of residents concerned about the health of their neighborhood pond has grown over the last year into a nonprofit organization working to educate residents about the need to protect ponds on the Cape.
Educational outreach has been at the forefront of the Deep Pond Preservation Projectâs efforts since its founding last September. Its primary mission is to preserve the health and beauty of Deep Pond, located in the Hatchville neighborhood of East Falmouth.
As a coastal pond home to rare native plants, it is especially vulnerable to growing threats such as invasive species, septic overflow and herbicides.