A bloom of Microcystis cyanobacteria continues in the western basin of Lake Erie. Recent satellite imagery indicates the bloom is present along the Michigan coast to Brest Bay, along the Ohio coast to the Marblehead Peninsula, and offshore up to 5 miles from Point Pelee.
Very low concentrations are visible extending into the central basin. Mixing of western basin bloom concentrations was observed over the weekend, decreasing surface chlorophyll in the Maumee Bay region.
Sampling (8/24) 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 (5-18 kn) will promote scum formation on Tuesday (9/1) followed by mixing and minimized transport of Microcystis concentrations through Thursday (9/3).
Additional Resources
- Find a safe place for recreation through the Ohio Dept. of Health’s Beach Water Quality Advisory, BeachGuard.
- Learn more about water quality sampling and data monitoring by visiting the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s site for HABs.
- Great Lakes HAB monitoring data and forecast research by NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s.
