Summer Vacation Spoiled by Algal Blooms
When it comes to summer fun, vacationers might want to steer clear of the water, as experts are warning about harmful algal blooms, particularly cyanobacteria. Since early August, these blue-green blooms have expanded significantly, stretching approximately 160 miles from Monroe, Michigan to Port Clinton, Ohio.
One of the hardest-hit areas is Sandusky Bay in Ohio, which has seen strong concentrations of both cyanobacteria and harmful byproducts called cyanotoxins. The Ohio Department of Health has advised locals and visitors along the west coast of Lake Erie to keep away from the water due to “dangerous levels” of bacterial contamination.
At concentrated levels, cyanotoxins can lead to a range of health issues—from relatively mild symptoms like skin irritation and headaches to more serious conditions, as noted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCO) has reminded people, “If you notice a scum along the water, it’s best to keep yourself and your pets out.” Interestingly, these blooms tend to thrive under certain weather conditions; they form a scum on the surface when winds are mild and less turbulent.
These algal blooms have been increasingly common on Lake Erie over the past decade, particularly in the warmer months of June and October. While microorganisms, like cyanobacteria, play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems through photosynthesis, excessive growth can create serious health risks for both humans and wildlife.
Anyone interested in keeping track of these conditions can check out a regularly updated map by NCCOS that monitors algal blooms on Lake Erie.
Interestingly, while Lake Erie faces issues, New York hasn’t been fully spared this summer either. Beaches, including Windmill Beach in Sag Harbor, have dealt with significant bacterial issues. In fact, it ranked as one of the worst beaches in the country this year. Alarmingly, just two years back, the EPA reported that over half of New York’s beaches were contaminated with sewage and other pollutants.
