Toxic Algae: Coming Soon to a Lake Near You? New Online Map & Report from NWF Show National Reach of Freshwater Toxic Algae Scourge
Ann Arbor, Michigan (PRWEB) September 26, 2013 -- Summer should be a time for fishing, boating and swimming with family on our nation’s lakes. Yet instead of fresh clear waters, many people are encountering mats of thick blue-green harmful algal blooms (HABs) – aka toxic algae.
A new, first-of-its-kind national online map by the communications firm Resource Media shows that 21 states across the US have issued health advisories and warnings related to harmful algal blooms at 147 different locations on lakes, rivers and ponds this summer.
In partnership with the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center, Resource Media is also releasing a report, “Toxic Algae: Coming Soon to a Lake Near You?” The report provides a look at how extreme weather and an increase in nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and failing septic systems are spurring its spread. Health impacts and economic costs are also reviewed. See below for experts and regional contacts.
The scourge continues to fly beneath the radar of national attention, in part because:
1. No federal agency currently tracks lake closures or health warnings nationally.
2. Few economic studies have assessed the national cost of freshwater hazardous algal blooms.
3. A minority of states monitor lakes and rivers for algal-related toxins.
Tracking of toxic algae showed that this summer:
• New York State led the US, with warnings issued at 50 different lakes and ponds.
• For the first time, Kentucky officials found toxic algae at four lakes, which collectively draw more than 5 million visitors a year. Some visitors to the lakes complained of rashes and intestinal problems.
• Western Lake Erie continues to experience a resurgence of toxic algal blooms, leading to health advisories and “do not drink” orders being issued by the state of Ohio. In contrast, the state of Michigan, which shares some of the same waters but does not currently have a formal monitoring or advisory program, issued no health advisories during that same time period.
• In southeast Florida, a massive toxic algae outbreak covered St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon with fluorescent green slime this summer, prompting warnings from health officials to not touch the water. Scores of dolphins, manatees, birds and fish have died.
“No one wants a green, sick lake,” said Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director, National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. “And yet that’s what communities across the country are facing. Excessive runoff is feeding an explosion of toxic algae that is choking our waters, closing our beaches, and posing a threat to people, pets, and wildlife. This is a national problem that demands a national solution.”
Heavy rains this spring and summer increased the volume of chemical fertilizer and manure from crops and livestock operations entering waterways across the US. Scientists caution that these conditions, plus record-high summer temperatures, contribute to the spread of toxic algae and associated lake closures. Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, can produce liver and nerve toxins that make people and pets sick, and even kill dogs. In addition to public health threats, toxic algae blooms in lake communities have a significant effect on local economies by reducing lake-related tourism.
“Toxic algae outbreaks slimed Florida’s inland waters this summer, killing wildlife, hurting property values and devastating tourism revenue,” said Manley Fuller, president, Florida Wildlife Federation. Thousands of residents have protested, calling for a statewide emergency management plan to stop the toxic slime.”
The report urges federal public officials to set limits on the amount of phosphorous allowed into waters; to maintain efforts to restore the nation’s great waters, including the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, and others; and to pass a strong Farm Bill that pays farmers to take specific actions to help protect soil and water quality.
Congress’ failure to reauthorize the Farm Bill jeopardizes funding for programs like the Conservation Stewardship program aimed at helping farmers protect water quality through implementation of agricultural best management practices. Those include planting cover crops, restoring wetlands or creating buffer strips to filter farm runoff.
More federal attention to the problem is needed. “The reach and extent of harmful algal blooms has likely been under-reported due to the lack of a national program to track health warnings and lakes closures,” said Alan Wilson, associate professor of limnology at Auburn University. “Regional monitoring networks could help fill this important scientific void, and tell us more about how climate change, land use and nutrient pollution influence HAB frequency and intensity."
The following experts and spokespeople are available to comment nationwide.
Andy Buchsbaum, Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes Regional Center
(734)717-3665
Hans Paerl, Kenan Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
National science expert on the spread of freshwater hazardous algal blooms in the US and globally and the link between climate change and cyanobacteria.
(252) 726-6841, Ext. 133
Alan Wilson, Associate Professor of Limnology at Auburn University, Alabama
Alan is leading a US Geological Survey-funded project that is monitoring freshwater toxic algae freshwater sites in the SE US.
(334) 246-1120
Gregory L. Boyer, Faculty of Chemistry & Director, Great Lakes Research Consortium,
State University of New York
315-470-6855 (Department), 315-470-6825 (office)
Manley Fuller, President, Florida Wildlife Federation
(850) 567-7129
Troy Schroeder, President, Kansas Wildlife Federation
Mr. Schroeder is a farmer and sportsman who can comment on the impact of toxic algae in Kansas and farm-based solutions.
(795) 650-3182
Mark Peterson, farmer, Stanton, Iowa
Mr. Peterson can comment on his experience using farm-based practices like cover crops to boost soil health and protect water quality.
(712) 370-4004
Peggy McAloon, Colfax, Wisconsin
Co-Chair Education and Outreach, Tainter/Menomin Lake Improvement Association
Mrs. McAloon lives next to Lake Tainter, which has been beset with toxic algae for years. She can speak to the threats cyanobacteria pose to health, safe drinking water and local economies.
(715) 962-2301
Robert Ketley, Senior Utilities Engineer with the city of Watsonville, California
Robert has studied toxin levels at Pinto Lake and is spearheading solutions.
(831) 768-3137
Clayton Craeger, Senior Environmental Scientist, North Coast Regional Water Board
Santa Rosa, California
(707) 576-2666
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Penelope Whitney, Resource Media, http://toxicalgaenews.com, (415) 397-5000 Ext: 313, [email protected]
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