Outdoor pond what is this?

[patjava30]

Does anyone know what this floating stuff is on the top of my girlfriends family's pond? We're in upstate ny

 

[joe jaskot]

Floating algae

 

[krichardson]

That was my guess.

 

[duanes]

Filamentous floating algae (pond scum)is common all over the world, and a normal component is almost any pond, but if excessive, may be an indication of high nutrient levels such as phosphorus and nitrate/nitrogen. It sometimes releases chemicals that inhibit other algae, and plants.
Below is a shot from a cenote in Mexico, where they used rakes and shovels to constantly pull it out.