I agree, the algae is ugly, but only because it reminds us of a sewage lagoon, but it also provides a home to MANY organisms that will feed your fish when you decide on a stocking plan.
I had quite a bit in the shallow areas of my pond that was removed by hand as others have mentioned and shown pictures. I still have some around the edges and quite a bit in the shallows that is staying on the bottom for now. I plan to leave it right where it is just because what Rainman pointed out. There are MANY organism living in that algae. Just today I noticed young fry that have hatched out recently swimming in the shallows. My pond is new enough there are not any pond weeds growing. So the FA is about all there is around the edge of the pond for cover for the tiny fish and critters. I have quite a bit of artificial structure out in the pond for small fish, but nothing along the shore line where the newly hatch fry tend to live. So I don't even want to remove all the FA.
I'll remove some more if it quits behaving and becomes excessive. Right now, in small amounts, it is serving a good purpose and the amount is not particularly an eyesore. If it gets out of hand again, will pull some more out manually.
