November 20, 2024
Lake Erie’s 2024 Harmful Algal Bloom Season was Longer, More Severe
Port Clinton, OH — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) recently released its final 2024 harmful algal bloom season assessment for the Western Lake Erie Basin. The 2024 bloom was measured as moderately severe ( severity index of 6.6) and was more severe than the 2023. This year’s harmful algal bloom began earlier than all previous blooms. Climate change continues to impact harmful algal blooms, including the variable timing of the bloom.
The 2024 bloom was most concentrated from Monroe, MI to Port Clinton, OH. While the bloom presented no major impacts to drinking water, it disrupted summer recreation as well as tourism and fishing activities driving local economies. To ensure that residents and visitors can realize the benefits of our Great Lake, continued investments are needed in the state’s H2Ohio program. These critical conservation efforts will need long term and sustainable funding to keep our water clean.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Emily Kelly, Agricultural and Water Coordinator (she/her) for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC):
“Lake Erie is one of Ohio’s most treasured natural resources. But this year’s moderately severe harmful algal bloom once again posed significant environmental, recreational, and economic challenges for those who depend on our Great Lake.
“It is clear that we must do more to address this persistent water quality issue. Ohio needs significant, sustained funding, stronger wetland protections, and more emphasis on strategies to reduce nutrient pollution causing harmful algal blooms. We ask that lawmakers in the Statehouse and in Congress prioritize investments in water quality and in water infrastructure programs as they close out the legislative session and prepare their 2025 priorities.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive and effective environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home.
Media Inquiries: ebacha<at>theoec.org
