Algal Bloom Severity Index for Lake Erie Sub-basins

Session: 41a. - Great Lakes Harmful Algal Blooms Research from Watershed Influence to Ecosystem Effects

Sachidananda Mishra, NOAA, [email protected]
Richard Stumpf, NOAA, [email protected]
Timothy Wynne, NOAA, [email protected]

Abstract

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are a well-known water quality and public health issue in western Lake Erie. NOAA’s operational forecast and monitoring system provides annual forecasts of algal bloom severity in western Lake Erie. Along the lines of the existing operational severity index, we report historical CyanoHAB severity index using satellite observations from 2002-2017 for different Lake Erie sub-basins. Areal CyanoHAB biomass is quantified using a reflectance spectral shape based algorithm that uses remotely sensed satellite data. Here we will partition Lake Erie along the Canadian and US border. Analysis shows that American waters are more severely affected by the cyanobacterial blooms than their Canadian counterparts during last decade.  While the severe blooms show up in both US and Canadian waters, the distribution and relative magnitude shifts.   Severe blooms associated with westerly winds may produce occurrence of CyanoHABs in the Canadian waters in western and central basins. This new approach of partitioning CyanoHAB severity into sub-basins promises detailed and specific information on bloom status and trends in different parts of the Lake Erie, which will be beneficial for management agencies.

1. Keyword
harmful algal blooms

2. Keyword
remote sensing

3. Keyword
Microcystis

4. Additional Keyword
Lake Erie