On June 5, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) kicked off the 2013 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) forecasting season with its first weekly forecast for Lake Erie. Running from June to October, these forecasts generate bulletins which are sent to and used by local, regional, state and federal managers overseeing beach closures, increased drinking water filtration planning, and public health advisories. Various scientists throughout the country also use the bulletins for ongoing remote sensing and HAB research.
Since 2008, this weekly forecast contributed to the development of NOAA’s first seasonal HAB forecast for Lake Erie in 2012. NOAA’s 2013 seasonal HAB forecast for Lake Erie will be issuedin July by NCCOS and regional partners.