 |
Introduction |  |
Becoming a Guide |  |
 |
The Grotto |  |
 |
Risks Factors | |
Bringing Divers | |
Policies | |
Gas Fills |  |
Dealing With Algae BloomAn algae bloom can result when sunlight penetrates water with little circulation and stimulate photosynthesis. This can reduce otherwise good visibility to less than arm’s length. Fortunately, we have a way of dealing with that.
To help prevent a visibility-reducing algae bloom, the surface of the Grotto is covered by a protective layer of duck weed. The duck weed provides a natural barrier, through which sunlight has difficulty penetrating. As a result, algae bloom is severely diminished — even during the warmest months of the year. 
Although it bears a disturbing resemblance to pond scum, duck weed (Lemnaceae) is actually a species of flowering plant. In consistency, it most resembles finely chopped salad greens. Any duck weed left clinging to your equipment after you exit the water easily rinses off (although you don’t want to accidentally transplant duck weed to another dive site where it will not be welcome). Despite its benign nature, few divers want to emerge from the water, covered from head to toe in tiny green seeds. Fortunately, we have a way of dealing with this, which you will read about shortly.
[Close Window| Go to Top of Page]
|
|