WHAT'S WRONG WITH LAKE ERIE AND HOW CAN WE FIX IT

JEFFREY M. REUTTER, PH.D. Special Advisor, Ohio Sea Grant College Program and Stone Laboratory, The Ohio State University In the last several years, the Great Lakes have experienced destructive and toxic algae blooms. NOAA has predicted that this year’s algae bloom in Lake Erie could rival that of 2011, the most severe bloom on record. Phosphorus from farm runoff combined with favorable weather and lake conditions are producing large and dangerous blooms. Researchers note that if land management practices and climate change trends continue, the lake is likely to see more blooms, putting fish, livestock, and humans at risk.