Latest news with #LakeErie
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that's a worry for people and pets
Lake Erie algal blooms, August 2011, along the southeast Lake Erie shore of Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada, 5 miles north of the international line. | Michigan Sea Grant Gregory J. Dick, University of Michigan Federal scientists released their annual forecast for Lake Erie's harmful algal blooms on June 26, 2025, and they expect a mild to moderate season. However, anyone who comes in contact with the blooms can face health risks, and it's worth remembering that 2014, when toxins from algae blooms contaminated the water supply in Toledo, Ohio, was considered a moderate year, too. The Conversation asked Gregory J. Dick, who leads the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, a federally funded center at the University of Michigan that studies harmful algal blooms among other Great Lakes issues, why they're such a concern. bulletin_current 1. What causes harmful algal blooms? Harmful algal blooms are dense patches of excessive algae growth that can occur in any type of water body, including ponds, reservoirs, rivers, lakes and oceans. When you see them in freshwater, you're typically seeing cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These photosynthetic bacteria have inhabited our planet for billions of years. In fact, they were responsible for oxygenating Earth's atmosphere, which enabled plant and animal life as we know it. Algae are natural components of ecosystems, but they cause trouble when they proliferate to high densities, creating what we call blooms. Harmful algal blooms form scums at the water surface and produce toxins that can harm ecosystems, water quality and human health. They have been reported in all 50 U.S. states, all five Great Lakes and nearly every country around the world. Blue-green algae blooms are becoming more common in inland waters. The main sources of harmful algal blooms are excess nutrients in the water, typically phosphorus and nitrogen. Historically, these excess nutrients mainly came from sewage and phosphorus-based detergents used in laundry machines and dishwashers that ended up in waterways. U.S. environmental laws in the early 1970s addressed this by requiring sewage treatment and banning phosphorus detergents, with spectacular success. Today, agriculture is the main source of excess nutrients from chemical fertilizer or manure applied to farm fields to grow crops. Rainstorms wash these nutrients into streams and rivers that deliver them to lakes and coastal areas, where they fertilize algal blooms. In the U.S., most of these nutrients come from industrial-scale corn production, which is largely used as animal feed or to produce ethanol for gasoline. Climate change also exacerbates the problem in two ways. First, cyanobacteria grow faster at higher temperatures. Second, climate-driven increases in precipitation, especially large storms, cause more nutrient runoff that has led to record-setting blooms. 2. What does your team's DNA testing tell us about Lake Erie's harmful algal blooms? Harmful algal blooms contain a mixture of cyanobacterial species that can produce an array of different toxins, many of which are still being discovered. When my colleagues and I recently sequenced DNA from Lake Erie water, we found new types of microcystins, the notorious toxins that were responsible for contaminating Toledo's drinking water supply in 2014. These novel molecules cannot be detected with traditional methods and show some signs of causing toxicity, though further studies are needed to confirm their human health effects. We also found organisms responsible for producing saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin that is well known for causing paralytic shellfish poisoning on the Pacific Coast of North America and elsewhere. Saxitoxins have been detected at low concentrations in the Great Lakes for some time, but the recent discovery of hot spots of genes that make the toxin makes them an emerging concern. Our research suggests warmer water temperatures could boost its production, which raises concerns that saxitoxin will become more prevalent with climate change. However, the controls on toxin production are complex, and more research is needed to test this hypothesis. Federal monitoring programs are essential for tracking and understanding emerging threats. 3. Should people worry about these blooms? Harmful algal blooms are unsightly and smelly, making them a concern for recreation, property values and businesses. They can disrupt food webs and harm aquatic life, though a recent study suggested that their effects on the Lake Erie food web so far are not substantial. But the biggest impact is from the toxins these algae produce that are harmful to humans and lethal to pets. The toxins can cause acute health problems such as gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, fever and skin irritation. Dogs can die from ingesting lake water with harmful algal blooms. Emerging science suggests that long-term exposure to harmful algal blooms, for example over months or years, can cause or exacerbate chronic respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems and may be linked to liver cancers, kidney disease and neurological issues. In addition to exposure through direct ingestion or skin contact, recent research also indicates that inhaling toxins that get into the air may harm health, raising concerns for coastal residents and boaters, but more research is needed to understand the risks. The Toledo drinking water crisis of 2014 illustrated the vast potential for algal blooms to cause harm in the Great Lakes. Toxins infiltrated the drinking water system and were detected in processed municipal water, resulting in a three-day 'do not drink' advisory. The episode affected residents, hospitals and businesses, and it ultimately cost the city an estimated US$65 million. 4. Blooms seem to be starting earlier in the year and lasting longer – why is that happening? Warmer waters are extending the duration of the blooms. In 2025, NOAA detected these toxins in Lake Erie on April 28, earlier than ever before. The 2022 bloom in Lake Erie persisted into November, which is rare if not unprecedented. Scientific studies of western Lake Erie show that the potential cyanobacterial growth rate has increased by up to 30% and the length of the bloom season has expanded by up to a month from 1995 to 2022, especially in warmer, shallow waters. These results are consistent with our understanding of cyanobacterial physiology: Blooms like it hot – cyanobacteria grow faster at higher temperatures. 5. What can be done to reduce the likelihood of algal blooms in the future? The best and perhaps only hope of reducing the size and occurrence of harmful algal blooms is to reduce the amount of nutrients reaching the Great Lakes. In Lake Erie, where nutrients come primarily from agriculture, that means improving agricultural practices and restoring wetlands to reduce the amount of nutrients flowing off of farm fields and into the lake. Early indications suggest that Ohio's H2Ohio program, which works with farmers to reduce runoff, is making some gains in this regard, but future funding for H2Ohio is uncertain. In places like Lake Superior, where harmful algal blooms appear to be driven by climate change, the solution likely requires halting and reversing the rapid human-driven increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Gregory J. Dick, Professor of Biology, University of Michigan This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Mild to moderately harmful algae blooms predicted in Lake Erie
Ohio federal researchers predict that this year's algae blooms in Lake Erie will be mild to moderately harmful. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts the bloom to measure around three on the Harmful Algal Bloom Severity Index on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the most severe. A three means possible impacts on drinking water, public health, and tourism. The blooms are made up of cyanobacteria, which is also called blue-green algae. It can produce a toxin that's dangerous for people and animals. Officials with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor said no matter the size of the bloom, we can't let our guard down, as the risk is always present. 'Even though we're talking about Lake Erie right now, this is the same advice that applies to Lake St. Clair, where we're more likely to see blooms along the Ontario shoreline,' said Mike McKay, Glier director with UWindsor. 'Avoid green water. It may not be toxic, but it's not worth taking the chance.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Swarm of fish flies returns to Leamington, signalling a healthy lake — and a seasonal headache
Residents of Leamington are once again swatting, sweeping and sighing as fish flies make their annual appearance along the Lake Erie shoreline. The delicate, short-lived insects — also known as mayflies — emerge in large numbers every June, coating cars, sidewalks, and windows across the southern Ontario town. 'If it's good for the environment, I'm happy to see them, but they are kind of a pain in the neck,' said Daphne Steer, a Canada Post letter carrier. 'You just use the mail and swat around you as you're walking.' Fish flies in Leamington, Ont. 2025 Fish flies swarm Leamington, Ont., seen on June 25, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) While their presence can be overwhelming, scientists and local officials say the arrival of fish flies is actually a positive sign. 'When mayflies are thriving and hatching, that's telling you that you have a lot of oxygen in the water,' said Ken Drouillard, director of the School of the Environment at the University of Windsor. 'And it basically suggests that things are getting pretty good.' Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald agrees. 'This is just what happens. It's a sign the lakes are healthy, and we just get used to it,' she said. 'We turn off the outside lights at night. We hose off our cars. They're not particularly creepy. They're just kind of annoying. And they're on your windows and all of that. It's a regular season, I can't say there's more. The one big thing is they smell bad when they're dead. They smell like fish.' Fish flies in Leamington, Ont. 2025 Fish flies swarm Leamington, Ont., seen on June 25, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) The smell, the mess, and the sheer volume are what many residents are dealing with this week. 'We get thousands of them,' said Connie Nelson, who has lived in Leamington for five years. 'The good thing is they're only here for a couple of weeks, and we know they're going to come every June. So, we just deal with it and know that July's coming soon.' Alan Antoniuk, who lives near Seacliff Park, said the latest wave hit hard overnight. He placed a 'Free fish flies' sign on his front yard. 'The fish flies hit hard last night again. About four to six inches in spots,' he said. 'The town's been fabulous cleaning it up. We haven't had any accidents. Some years, it makes such a grease slick that the cars go to stop, and they go right into the fence down here at Seacliff Park. But for the most part, it's been okay.' He added that they're feeding the environment, and they're needed, but they cause a big mess. 'Free fish flies. Bring your own buckets. Bring your own truck. Truckloads at a time. I'll give you the shovels if you want, you can clean them up on your own first thing in the morning,' Antoniuk said. Drivers are among those most frustrated, with cars and windshields often coated by the insects, especially if they sat under a light overnight. 'There's a lot of them,' exclaimed Tim Hergott as he washed his car. 'I don't know why they use my car as a target, but they do.' Hergott said he's been washing his vehicle more often since the insects arrived. Fish flies in Leamington, Ont. 2025 Fish flies swarm Leamington, Ont., seen on June 25, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) 'I'd rather they move on, but they're only here for, like, two or three weeks, and then they're gone,' he explained. 'You'd never know they were here.' Others are simply avoiding cleanup until the bugs are gone. 'I don't like it. They smell and there's no sense in trying to clean it off until they're all done coming here,' said Susan Bondy. 'It's crazy.' While short-lived, the mayflies serve a vital role in the ecosystem. 'It's remarkable how many other things in the environment are just waiting for that mayfly emergence to happen,' Drouillard said. 'So, first of all, even when those mayflies are sitting in sediments, they're a prominent component of fish food. Our walleye and yellow perch are consuming these at various stages of their life stages. And then when they emerge and they come out into the air, all kinds of birds and frogs and snakes, you name it. I've even seen skunks having a feeding frenzy on these mayflies.' As Leamington residents brace for another week or two of buzzing, crunching and sweeping, many are trying to keep their cool — and their sense of humour. 'Free fish flies,' Antoniuk said. 'Truckloads.'
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Body of missing swimmer recovered in Port Burwell, Ont.
Provincial police have recovered the body of a swimmer who went missing in Lake Erie Sunday afternoon. Family members confirm Randy Lavigne as the man who saved his 13-year-old daughter in distress before going under the water and failing to resurface. Lavigne, 35, a Woodstock native and Toyota employee, is being hailed as a hero who lost his life. Lavigne and his daughter were swimming Sunday when they started to struggle. Samaritans say the current and rough waters pulled them out too far. 'The young girl and her dad were swimming and having a good time, then happened to get out too far,' Brittany Chessell told CTV News via email. Chessell and her friend Melissa were the first to respond to the swimmers in distress. 'The father got dragged out further than the daughter. The daughter told her dad she was getting tired and struggling. He tried to get back to her, eventually being able to reach her he was so tired he took one last breath and pushed his daughter with a wave in hopes it would bring her in closer to shore. He unfortunately went under after his last breath and did not resurface.' The search for his body lasted nearly 24 hours before he was recovered. 'We just like to take this opportunity to say thank you, those good Samaritans,' said Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of West Region OPP. 'I'd also like to take this opportunity to send all my sincere condolences to all family members and friends that are affected by this tragedy.'
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Samaritan recounts frantic moments during suspected drowning in Port Burwell
Emergency Response Team members walk the beach as recovery efforts for a missing swimmer in Port Burwell continue on June 23, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV NewsLondon) As the search continues for a missing swimmer in Port Burwell, Ont. family members are hoping for closure. Two men who wish not to be identified were walking the Provincial Park beach Monday morning along with officers and members of Ontario Parks as part of the recovery efforts. They did not wish to do an interview, however said the last 24 hours have been extremely difficult and they just hope their relative will resurface soon to give them the closure they need. Meanwhile, a Samaritan who tried to save the father and his young teenage daughter described the frantic final moments before he went under the water and did not resurface. 'The young girl and her dad were swimming and having a good time, then happened to get out too far,' Brittany Chessell told CTV News via email. Chessell and her friend Melissa were the first to respond to the swimmers in distress. 'The father got dragged out further than the daughter. The daughter told her dad she was getting tired and struggling. He tried to get back to her, eventually being able to reach her he was so tired he took one last breath and pushed his daughter with a wave in hopes it would bring her in closer to shore. He unfortunately went under after his last breath and did not resurface.' OPP along with Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton continued to search the Lake Erie waters at the Port Burwell Provincial Park Monday morning. 'The underwater search and recovery team is looking for a missing swimmer,' says Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of West Region OPP. 'We have our emergency response team members, and we have aviation services, our helicopter coming down as well, to search for this missing individual.' Chessell said the waves were 'very big and strong' and she could feel the current pulling her and her friend as they tried the rescue. She added a man came into help as all three of them risked their lives to save the teenage girl. 'He was up to his chin in the water taking on the waves, encouraging us to keep swimming to him,' said Chessell. 'He is the reason Mel and I are here today along with the young girl.' The incident in Port Burwell was one of three major incidents involving water in southwestern Ontario. thames river - missing - june 2025 Chatham-Kent police are searching the area around the Thames River looking for a missing teenage girl. June 23, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Chatham-Kent police are searching the area around the Thames River looking for a missing teenage girl, and there were two non-fatal drownings Sunday in Port Stanley, Ont. 'They were taking in a lot of water, but lifeguards were doing some training and they went in and they got them to safety,' says Murray Decorte, district chief of Central Elgin Fire and Rescue. 'Along with fire, they got them out and got them into EMS' hands and taking both to hospital'. Sanchuk, who has attended too many of these incidents over the years- knows the power of Lake Erie. 'If you are going to go swimming in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, whatever the case may be, just do your research regardless of your strong swimmer,' said Sanchuk. 'If you if you're a weak swimmer, please do me a favour. Wear a property fitted life jacket because that piece of equipment will save your life. If you're on a sandbar all sudden that sandbar can disappear and all of a sudden, you're in seven to 10 feet of water. We're just asking people, make sure you put your safety as a priority.' Port Burwell Provincial Park beach is closed Monday as the search continues.
