Increased algae likely for Lake Erie again this summer

Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 12:45 PM - Lake Erie could see another outbreak of algae this summer, similar to the massive algae bloom in 2011.

While it likely won't be as big as the 5,000 square kilometre blob from that year, experts say there will at least be "an average-sized bloom."

"It's too soon to give an overall prediction, but from where we are right now, even if we didn't get any more rainfall we would already be getting what would be an average-sized bloom," said Jeff Reutter, head of Ohio Sea Grant, said at a climate-change conference in Columbus last week.

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Algae blooms can become a threat to the lake's tourism and fishing industries and also contribute to the "oxygen-deprived dead zones where fish can't survive."

More algae likely for Lake Erie this summer https://t.co/rVbXU9ftun pic.twitter.com/4vuZMYOFdM

— Toledo News Now (@ToledoNewsNow) May 17, 2014

Heavy rainfalls can carry more pollutants and help water flow into the lakes more quickly.

Phosphorus from farm fertilizer runoff and sewage treatment plants feed the algae that leave behind toxins that can kill animals and foul drinking water, according to The Associated Press.

An official forecast will be made on July 10, but researchers say they're already "bracing for trouble."

With files from The Associated Press