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Experts anticipate a less severe bloom than last year’s

June 30, 2023
Algal bloom in the western basin of Lake Erie, as seen by aircraft during a flyover in September 2017.

Smaller-than-average harmful algal bloom predicted for western Lake Erie

Experts anticipate a less severe bloom than last year’s

NOAA and its research partners are forecasting that western Lake Erie will experience a smaller-than-average harmful algal bloom (HAB) this summer, which would result in a less severe bloom than 2022.

Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory hosted a live web event today featuring NOAA’s official annual seasonal HABs forecast for the lake and highlights of recent related research efforts.

This year’s bloom is expected to measure 3, with a potential range of 2-4.5 on the severity index – whereas last year’s bloom was measured at a 6.8. Read more >>