The 'lake snow' algae has been found in Lake Hawea. Photo: ODT filesLake snow has been confirmed in Lake Hawea, making it the third lake in Otago found to have the slime. Thought to be caused by the algae Cyclotella bodanica, lake snow has been present in Lake Wanaka since at least 2008 and was discovered in Lake Wakatipu in May this year. A spokesman for the Otago Regional Council said the algae was found in samples taken during a trophic study of Lake Hawea in September. Ministry of Primary Industries long-term incursion manager John Sanson said the lake snow issue was recently brought to the attention of the ministry.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2016 17:03 UTC