Ohio's new Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy

[Eugene Braig, Ohio Sea Grant]

In related news, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Health are working to implement a response strategy to harmful algal blooms (HABs).  If you're curious about the whole, you can download the document by clicking HERE (4.4 mb).

They are also collaborating on a clearinghouse site for cyanobacteria/HAB issues and news in Ohio.  Check it out at ohioalgaeinfo.com.

[David Libby]

The Lake Erie LaMP 2011 Annual Report has also recognized this as one of the most important issues for Lake Erie.
http://binational.net/lamp/le_ar_2011_en.pdf
"As part of its leadership role in restoring Lake Erie, the Lake
Erie LaMP Management Committee set and agreed to
indicator endpoints for total phosphorus concentrations for
surface water (see table). These targets are based on the best
available science, and when achieved, will reduce problem
algal blooms in the Lake. This will, in turn, improve fish and
wildlife habitat and recreational use of the lake, reduce
additional costs for drinking water treatment, and improve
hypoxia (low oxygen) in the central basin."

"Lake Erie water quality has taken a turn for the worse. The
algal blooms that threatened the Lake Erie ecosystem in the
1960s and 1970s have returned, and the extent and duration
of anoxia/hypoxia in the central basin continues to increase.
Growth of Cladophora, a type of algae..."

[Eugene Braig, Ohio Sea Grant]

Sad.  I grew up on the lake and never thought we'd be back to this point.

[rod bender bob]

I never doubted we would be here again. Politicians (all of them) who are now owned by special interest groups never do anything about our resources until they are forced. we have known about this problem for years and nothing but stalling has been done. Now we'll use the state of the economy as a reason to do nothing. Wonder what NW Ohio's economy will be like when the Lake fails (hint, take a look at the Lake St. Marys area). SAD

PS We should have Governor's Day  in the algae bloom!!!!!!

[Ray Wise]

Interesting thread on Walleye Central...
http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192151


-Below is a post I made this morning on that thread--
   
Raybob
Charter Member        
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Indian Lake, Ohio
Posts: 3,067


Quote:
Originally Posted by Lund Man
You are correct. There are tens of billions of gallons of raw sewage pumped into Lake Erie every year.
http://www.lakescientist.com/2010/great-lakes-are-in-the-midst-of-a-sewage-crisis-according-to-new-report


Thanks for the read Lund Man ~ It looks like Lake Erie has alot in common (raw sewage) with Lake St Marys, Ohio after heavy rains with the old antiquated or inadequate combined sewer systems...

-add in the amount of run-off chems from the farmland practices of NW Ohio, the livestock operations dumping into streams that lead to Lake Erie & summer temps -equals- a return to the dreaded 60s again...
__________________

Fishing w/buds is a fun social event, while Angling is a serious skill-growth rung-climbing event with loads of self-improvement satisfaction w/each step... Hang a Hog, Not a Smelt

Bebob da I-Bobray

[David Libby]

The recent International Joint Commission (IJC) news letter has some updates about algea and phosphorus in Lake Erie if anyone is interested.

http://www.ijc.org/en_/blog/2012/11/09/less-algae-lake-erie-2015/

"The IJC’s Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority, or LEEP, is targeting excessive algae growth in Lake Erie. The plans are to develop recommendations for the Canadian and U.S. governments to measurably reduce dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loads and algae by the end of 2015."