The SMLA Dock Watch program monitors organisms that could cause harmful algal bloom (HAB) activity at 20 dock locations around Smith Mountain Lake. This program engages citizen scientists in a community-based network of volunteers to watch for HABs.

The primary purpose of the dock watch program is to identify and track cyanobacteria activity in real time at docks in Smith Mountain Lake year-round. Cyanobacteria are the microscopic organisms that can cause HABs at SML.

By collecting water samples at docks throughout the year and examining them under a microscope, SMLA is better able to understand activity levels of cyanobacteria and keep an eye on trends throughout the year.

Over 40 volunteers participate in the Dock Watch program. Some collect water samples at their docks. Other volunteers use laboratory-grade microscopes to identify cyanobacteria, take photographs, and upload data to the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. 

The data collected by the SMLA dock watch program also enhances the national database which is used to monitor and research emerging HAB trends.

Findings in 2025

The Dock Watch program focuses on five target cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Dolichospermum, Planktothrix and Raphidiopsis). In 2025, Dock Watch volunteers, assisted by two summer interns from two summer interns from Virginia Western Community College, collected and analyzed 361 water samples.

A total of 221 cyanobacteria detections were made in those samples and approximately 43% of the samples contained one or more cyanobacteria target. Of these, three were at levels considered elevated. These detections merely represent whether the cyanobacteria are present in the sample but total cell count or toxicity is not measured.

Plans for 2026

The Dock Watch program intends to conduct a full year of sampling in 2026 with samples being taken at five docks year round and 22 docks from April through October. As in 2024 and 2025, these samples will be examined for the presence of the five target cyanobacteria.

Dock Watch volunteers will also continue to collect environmental data (e.g., water clarity, water temperature, air temperature, wind speed and direction) to examine the relationship between these and cyanobacteria.

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been formed to serve as a forum for discussion on data collection and analysis. The Dock Watch program would welcome the participation of anyone interested in contributing to these technical discussions. Please reach out to dockwatch@smlassociation.org if you are interested.

The Dock Watch program is also interested in adding two new docks to the program to close gaps in current coverage. Specifically, we would like to add a dock in the Water’s Edge portion of the Blackwater arm or in the vicinity of the Anthony Ford boat ramp in Penhook. If you live in either of those areas and would like to join the dock watch program, please reach out to dockwatch@smlassociation.org.

The Role of Volunteers in the Dock Watch Program

Water Sampling: Our volunteers collect a water sample at their dock once every other week and deliver the sample to the SMLA Office within 24 hours of sample collection. Often a team of neighbors combines efforts to keep up with the sampling events.

SMLA Dock Watch runs year-round. At the present time, the program can support a limited number of docks and locations.

Microscope Technicians: Volunteers have committed to working one day every few weeks at the SMLA office to operate the microscopes and upload the data.

Materials, such as sample bottles, gloves, water clarity device (Secchi disk), thermometer, preservatives, and sample transport containers are provided by the program.

Training is provided, and all materials are free of charge. We value the time and effort of volunteers required to make the Dock Watch program successful.

If you are interested in being involved in the Dock Watch program, you could join an established team of neighbors, volunteer to be trained to work in the lab, or join the new Observer Team which is being developed now.