LAKE ERIE ECOSYSTEM PRIORITY 2012-2015
Flashback Lake Erie Algal Blooms
Flashback In the 1960s: Lake Erie was declared “dead” Excessive algae In response to public concern and became dominant recommendations by the species IJC, Massive fish kills; fouling beaches and The Great Lakes Water shorelines Quality Agreement (GLWQA) was signed by Richard Nixon and Pierre Trudeau in 1972
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement 1972 Identified Total Phosphorus as a cause of massive Actions Taken: algae blooms. Eliminated phosphorus in laundry detergents. Established a Total P Limited the target load of 11,000 discharges from Metric Tonnes per Industrial and Wastewater Treatment year for Lake Erie Plants.
WE did a great job!! Don Scavia, GESI, U of M
What Now?
Summer 2002 September 7/8, 2009 September 12, 2009 ( Pelee Island, Westshore)
Extent of Extent of 2011 Bloom 2011 Bloom
August 16 th , 2011 Steve Davis, OSU
Microcystis in Lake Erie The Microcystis- Anabaena bloom of 2009 was the largest in recent years in our sampling region …until 2011 2011 Don Scavia, GESI, T. Bridgeman U of M
What are Harmful Algal Blooms and why are we concerned? 6-7 species of cyanobacteria (blue green algae) Capable of producing 4 toxins (e.g. microcystin) Require high levels of nutrients and warm water (above 60F) Can cause human and animal illness and death . Photos: Jeff Reutter
What accelerates algae blooms? Sunlight Warm water Calm, stagnant conditions Phosphorus is a Problem!!! Phosphorus
What changed?
Sandusky Bioavailable P loads D. Baker, Heidelberg
What is at stake? Lake Erie Stats Drinking water for 11 million people , Over 20 power plants , 300 marinas in Ohio alone, Walleye capital of the World , 40% of all Great Lakes Charter boat , $1.5 billion sport fishery , one of the top ten sport fishing locations in the World, the most valuable freshwater commercial fishery in the World, coastal county tourism value over $10 billion .
LAKE ERIE ECOSYSTEM PRIORITY (LEEP) MAIN GOAL “In 3 years, we will have measurably reduced DRP (dissolved reactive phosphorus) loads and algae. We will have a better scientific understanding of causes and controls and an adequate monitoring system in place. We will have improved coastal resiliency and governance as well as better public understanding and support…”
LEEP: MAIN COMPONENTS SCIENCE SOCIAL/ECONOMIC STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
SCIENCE A Review Paper on External and Internal TP/DRP Loadings to Lake Erie A Review Paper on Climate Change Implications for TP/DRP Inputs/Outputs A Review Paper on Effectiveness of Agricultural and Urban BMPs in Reducing TP/DRP Loads An Assessment Report on Adequacy of TP/DRP Monitoring Programs A Review Paper on Response of Key Indicators to Nutrient loading
SOCIAL/ECONOMIC A Review Paper on Economic Impact of Excessive Algal Blooms, Costs/Benefits of Solutions and Barriers to/Incentives for Voluntary Actions A Review Paper on Legislative/Regulatory Framework An Assessment Report on Recommended Social/Economic Solutions
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH Series of Stakeholders Briefing Sessions Synthesis of Public Feedback Proceedings of Lake Erie Forum Synthesis of Public Comments on interim IJC report and recommendations
Priority Strategy/Timeline Develop Series of Draft Papers and Reports on Science and Social/Economic Aspects by December 2012 Lake Erie Workshop in February 2013 to Review Draft Papers/Reports and Develop Draft Findings and Recommendations for IJC Report Develop Interim IJC Report by May 2013 Public Consultations on Draft Report from May-July 2013 Finalize IJC Report with Key Recommendations to the Parties at Great Lakes Summit Fall 2013 Develop IJC Workplans for Following 2 Years (Governance and Implementation Issues will be the focus in this phase of work plans)
LEEP Work Group Members/Experts Glenn Benoy (AAC) Chitra Gowda (ERCA) Bill Booty (EC) Tomas Hook (PU) Nate Bosch Todd Howell (MOE) Bill Bowerman (U of M) Saad Jasim (IJC) Greg Boyer (U of NY) Donna Kashian (WSU) David Carpenter (U of A) Stu Ludsin (OSU) John Casselman Shawn McElmurry (WSU) (Queens) Carol Miller (WSU) Murray Charlton (EC) Michael Murray (NWF) Steve Davis (USDA) Peter Richards Joe DePinto (LimnoTech) (Heidelberg) Dave Dolan (U of W) Don Scavia (UofM) Alice Dove (EC) Sue Watson (EC) Sandy George (EC) Ram Yerubandi (EC)
THANK YOU
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