algae Content

Lake Tahoe Algae Experiment Suggests Seasonal Shifts Ahead

Katherine E Kerlin — October 06, 2025 - 9:06am

As the climate warms and nutrient inputs shift, algal communities in cool, clear mountain lakes like Lake Tahoe will likely experience seasonal changes, according to a study from the ɫ��ɫ.

Periphyton, that fuzzy layer of attached algae covering the rocks as you step into the water, is a healthy and critical part of a lake’s food web. Periphyton blooms, however, signal changes that can degrade both water quality and a shoreline’s natural beauty.

Tahoe State of the Lake Report Released

Katherine E Kerlin — July 27, 2017 - 3:06pm

The ɫ��ɫ Tahoe Environmental Research Center today released its annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, assessing a year marked by the hottest temperatures on record followed by a winter of unprecedented levels of rain and snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where Lake Tahoe resides.

Fish Social Lives May Be Key to Saving Coral Reefs

Katherine E Kerlin — April 10, 2017 - 10:54am

Fish provide a critical service for coral reefs by eating algae that can kill coral and dominate reefs if left unchecked. A ɫ��ɫ study, which analyzed the social feeding behavior of reef fish, suggests that overfishing not only removes vital algae-eaters, but it may cause remaining fish to eat less.

Reef Fish That Conquer Fear of Sharks May Help Control Excess Algae

Katherine E Kerlin — January 12, 2017 - 1:08pm

Coral reef fish experience “landscapes of fear” depending on where and how much shelter from predators is available, according to a ɫ��ɫ study. However, the study found that reef fish are willing to move past that fear. They will stray far from their sheltered coral refuge and risk the possibility of being eaten by sharks and other predators if the pay-off in tasty algae is higher.