Environmental effects from the clam beds include heavy growths of green algae called Zygnema near the clam beds.    From Wordnik.com.  [North Lake Tahoe Bonanza - Top Stories] Reference

Zygnema species is primarily dependent upon environmental conditions.    From Wordnik.com. Reference

Zygnema generally reproduce vegetatively by fragmenting to create new strands.    From Wordnik.com. Reference

Last summer residents at Marla Bay near South Lake Tahoe saw a higher level of Zygnema algae in shallow waters.    From Wordnik.com.  [North Lake Tahoe Bonanza - Top Stories] Reference

Zygnema often asexually produce akinetes, spore-like bodies that have very thick cell walls that enable them to survive harsh conditions.    From Wordnik.com. Reference