Toxic algal bloom at Lake Erie is expected to be worse this summer, according to NOAA and its research partners.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that algal bloom in the lake will probably be larger than last year, but won't be as severe as the record-high bloom of 2011.
A report published earlier in June had warned that algal bloom is likely to increase this year due to climate change that resulted in record-breaking rains in the region. The toxic blooms doesn't only threaten the $1.5 billion sport fishing industry, but also poses a risk to people and pets.
This year, the ecological impact of the bloom will vary across the western region, NOAA said. This is the second time that the agency has issued an annual outlook for the algal bloom.
"This annual forecast and NOAA's weekly bulletins provide the most advanced ecological information possible to Great Lakes businesses and resource managers so they can save time and money on the things they do that drive recreational activities and the economy," said Holly Bamford, Ph.D., NOAA's assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service.
Algal bloom was common in Lake Erie since the 70s, but has increased tremendously in the past decade. The algal bloom of 2011 has been the worst so far. The agency has issued weekly warming for the bloom since 2008 via the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). It plans to continue the weekly warnings this year. The warnings will help tourists, hotel managers, businessmen and scientists schedule their activities.
"The timing, size and location of blooms heavily impact our charter businesses," said Captain Rick Unger, owner of Chief's Charters and president of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association in a news release. "I use the weekly bulletins to plan my trip routes and fuel costs, but more importantly they help me get our visitors out of their hotel rooms and onto the water."