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Reflections On The Lake
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"I think that it is education. How do you enjoy the lake without ruining it? Like any ecology, if it is overused it is going to develop problems. You have to learn to deal with the growth. People can’t afford to just have a good time on the lake without being responsible for what goes on. I don’t think that as a whole people are any different than they used to be, it’s just that there are so many more of them. Every little thing people do that effects the lake is being done by a lot of other people, it all adds up, nothing is insignificant." Joan Lukens |
| Study Finds Link Between Alewife & Toxic Cyanobacteria |
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| Written by Site Administrator | |
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The NH Center for Freshwater Biology Research has published a new research paper providing an assessment of plankton populations, toxic cyanobacteria, and the potential impact of introduced marine alewife on Pawtuckaway Lake. Since the State of NH Department of Fish and Game has been stocking Pawtuckaway Lake with marine alewife, many residents have wondered what the impact would be on the lake ecology. This new research paper by Jessica V. Trout-Haney, Department of Zoology, University of New Hampshire, Durham provides scientific evidence of a link between the alewife and toxic cyanobacteria blooms on the lake. In summary, cyanobacteria and other phytoplankton populations are responsible for the introduction of dangerous toxins into the lake. These phytoplankton are normally kept in check by the lake's zooplankton population which feed on them. The study demonstrates that marine alewife ( a non-native species) feed on the lake's zooplankton population thereby reducing the natural predators to the dangerous phytoplankton populations in the lake. This research paper provides scientific data which backs up many lake residents (admittedly, non-scientific) feelings that algea blooms have increased on the lake since the State began stocking the lake with marine alewife. The State stocks Pawtuckaway Lake with alewife to provide feeder fish for ocean sport fishing populations. In the fall when the lake is drawn down, many of the alewife are washed downstream into Great Bay where they mature and provide sustinance for game fish. Financial support for the study was provided by the Town of Nottingham and the Pawtuckaway Lake Improvement Association. Additional equipment and supplies support was provided by the UNH Center for freshwater Biology and the NH Lake Lay Monitoring Program. PLIA Member Therese Thompson provided invaluable assistance throughout the project. If you would like to learn more about the study, you can download it here: Research Paper |
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PLIA Mission Statement
The Pawtuckaway Lake Improvement Association (PLIA) is a Private, Non-Profit Organization formed to monitor and act upon environmental and safety issues in the Pawtuckaway Lake Watershed area. The PLIA also provides education, information, recreation and other services to its members.
The Association routinely conducts water quality sampling under the New Hampshire Volunteer Lake Assessment program of the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Other activities (sailboat races, fishing derbies, etc.) may be coordinated by the Association, but are funded by program participants.
