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New algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee are being tested by Florida environmental officials for potential toxins.
The state Department of Environmental Protection took samples of the algae on the lake’s eastern shore at Port Mayaca on Wednesday.
The results discovered low levels of the toxin, Microcystis.
"It think at the moment it’s something to keep an eye on,” says Malcom McFarland of the Harbor Branch Institute.
"The concentrations aren't extremely high for recreational water use but it's early in the season and there is chance for algae to grow to much higher concentrations,” McFarland says.
Currently, the lock and dam at Port Msyace has been closed due to low water levels in the lake.
