In its first-ever seasonal harmful algal bloom forecast for Lake Erie, NOAA researchers are predicting that western Lake Erie will have a mild bloom this summer, equivalent to conditions last seen in 2007.

Lake Erie has been plagued by a steady increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) over the past decade. HABs can cause the death of fish, foul coastlines, and harm both aquatic and human life. NOAA has issued weekly bulletins for HABs in Lake Erie since 2008, and will continue to do so.