Home > Explore News > Fact-checking the Forecast: July's harmful algal blooms forecast turns out to have been highly accurate | Ohio Sea Grant Twine Line

Fact-checking the Forecast: July's harmful algal blooms forecast turns out to have been highly accurate | Ohio Sea Grant Twine Line

Published on: 12/20/2012
Region(s) of Study: U.S. States and Territories / Ohio

Back in July, scientists from the National Oceanic & AtmosphericAdministration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science(NCCOS) issued the first-ever seasonal harmful algal bloom (HAB)forecast for western Lake Erie at a press event at Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory. Now, with the 2012 HABs season over, Dr. Jeff Reutter reflects onthe successful prediction and looks ahead to next year.

'I would say that we were right on with what we tried to do,' Reutter, Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Lab's Director, says. 'The rationale behind the press conference wasto let people know that, based on phosphorus loading and concentrations in thelake, things were looking really good for the summer.'

The forecast predicted a mild bloom for the western basin, similar to conditionslast seen in 2007 and about one-tenth the size of the 2011 bloom. While it wassomewhat larger than predicted, the bloom was still 70% smaller than last year. 'Itwas a welcome bit of relief, and the key point is the model was accurate,' Reutter says.

Explore Similar News

About NCCOS

NCCOS delivers ecosystem science solutions for stewardship of the nation’s ocean and coastal resources to sustain thriving coastal communities and economies.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter or view our archives.

NCCOS Multimedia

Visit our new NCCOS Multimedia Gallery. 

Follow us on Social

Listen to our Podcast

Check out our new podcast "Coastal Conversations"