
Planktonic algae blooms are considered desirable as the beginning of the pond food chain. In fact, fertilization programs are often used to promote algae blooms to thereby support a larger fish population. Planktonic algae is desirable for shading the pond bottom (in areas over 2 feet deep). This shading suppresses the establishment of rooted aquatic plants. However, to much planktonic algae can cause oxygen depletions and fish kills (see Management Options).