Whether you go out on a boat, to a beach or get your drinking water from Lake Erie, you know harmful algal blooms are a problem.
But they’re not limited to this Great Lake. The blooms are a threat to all five lakes, the connectors like the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair and other parts of the watershed.
A new documentary explores the issue and helps residents of the region understand what’s a stake and what possible solutions could be. Produced by David J. Ruck and Plastic Oceans, the film has aired at film festivals around the region this year. Ruck, who lives in Muskegon, Mich., is a regular contributor to Great Lakes Now.
In partnership, PBS stations in six cities and three states that border Lake Erie — and one along Lake Superior — are simultaneously broadcasting the film and sharing more resources with residents about this important environmental and economic issue.
Tune in at 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 12 on:
Buffalo Public Media in New York
Detroit Public Television in southeast Michigan
Ideastream Public Media in Cleveland, Ohio
WGTE-TV in Toledo, Ohio
WNMU-TV in Marquette, Michigan
WQLN-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania
Read the latest on harmful algal blooms:
All water is local
The Grand Portage Band’s team of biologists are keeping Lake Superior’s waters clean — while sounding the alarm on harmful algal blooms and climate-driven water threats.
Advocacy group challenges “new normal” status of Lake Erie’s algal blooms
Alliance for the Great Lakes calls for use of enforceable regulations to prevent toxic algal blooms. Michigan agency says the state has limited regulatory authority and defends the state’s actions.
Great Lakes scientists discover new lifeform microbe, name it ShipGoo1
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth found the previously-undiscovered microorganisms hiding in the tar-like goo oozing out of a research vessel’s rudder shaft.
Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets
The blooms have become an annual problem in the Great Lakes. DNA studies show what’s growing there and why it’s dangerous.
Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes’ Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It.
The Trump administration’s slashing of budgets and staff have Great Lakes scientists concerned that they have lost the ability to protect the public from toxic algal blooms, which can kill animals and sicken people.
Geese are a problem. What can we do?
We took a look at efforts to manage the overpopulation of Canada geese.
Wisconsin officials ask the public to report algal blooms in Lake Superior
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is banking on public oversight to help gauge the threat of algal blooms.
Toxic blooms on Lake Erie still a problem 10 years after Toledo issued a ‘do not drink’ order
It’s been ten years since Toledo issued a ‘don not drink’ order for its water system for three days due to cyanobacterial blooms near its water intake in Lake Erie. The blooms are not any worse, but they are not any less.
A Decade After Crisis, Algal Blooms Persist
Efforts to cut nutrients in Lake Erie remain ineffective.
Dams may slow harmful algal blooms in urban lakes, expert says
Like clockwork, Michigan’s Ford Lake and its downstream neighbor, Belleville Lake, turn bright green every summer due to harmful algal blooms.
