Great Lakes HABs and Hypoxia

Water Quality and Monitoring Data	Lake Erie HAB Bulletin	Near Real-Time Western Lake Erie Microcystin Sampling
Hyperspectral and Satellite Algorithms	Western Lake Erie HAB Tracker	Central Lake Erie Hypoxia Warning System
Frequently Asked Questions	Publications	Flickr HAB Photo Gallery

The NOAA Great Lakes Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Hypoxia program is a collaborative effort between scientists at GLERL and the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER). Our team is focused on understanding ecosystem health effects in the Great Lakes related to human-influenced water quality degradation. We use an integrated approach to understand the environmental drivers of and predict HABs and hypoxia. This approach consists of using satellite images, remote sensing, buoys, a comprehensive monitoring program in Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Huron, and advanced genetic techniques to understand the long and short-term seasonal dynamics of HAB and hypoxic events. The data we collect is used to inform predictive models used by key Great Lakes stakeholder groups, such as drinking water managers. Effective management of coastal ecosystems requires timely and continuing predictions of ecosystem change. Our research will improve forecasts of water quality to reduce risks to ecosystem health associated with recreational exposure, consumption, and treatment of Great Lakes water.

Video: Tracking the Toxicity of Lake Erie Algal Blooms

Check out this video produced by the University of Michigan overviewing our traditional and real-time sampling activities in Western Lake Erie.

Resources

For reporting a bloom in your area or to view reports:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS)
  • Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
• Ohio EPA - Harmful Algal Blooms: Public Water System and other Ohio EPA Surface Water Monitoring

HABs resources
Beach Water Quality resources
General Water Quality resources
Great Lakes Education resources
Overview of guidelines on algal toxins