Algae bloom continues in Erie’s western basin

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a new Harmful Algae Bloom.

A bloom of Microcystis cyanobacteria continues in the western basin of Lake Erie. The bloom is present in Maumee Bay, extending north along the Michigan coast to Brest Bay, along the Ohio coast towards Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, and offshore towards West Sister Island. Calm winds observed over the weekend promoted scum formation in Maumee Bay and along the Michigan coast. Recent sampling (7/28) indicates toxin concentrations are below the recreational threshold at all locations. Keep pets and yourself out of the water in areas where scum is forming

Forecast winds (4-17 kn) through Thursday (8/6) will promote southward transport of Microcystis concentrations along the Michigan coast and eastward transport along the Ohio coast. Winds are favorable for mixing of Microcystis concentrations through Thursday.