Knowledge gaps and research priorities for managing Lake Erie’s algal blooms

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

A perspective paper published in the journal Freshwater Science, co-authored by LEAP researcher Philippe Van Cappellen, outlines the main knowledge gaps and uncertainties facing the remediation of eutrophication and associated harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. 

Future research should focus on addressing knowledge gaps around how lake ecosystems respond to changing nutrient loads, how achievable nutrient load reductions are, and how to identify priority management areas and actions.

Algal bloom in Lake Erie

The paper also offers suggestions on how to resolve these uncertainties through an integrated ecosystem approach. While focused on Lake Erie, the findings and recommendations in the paper could also help inform research efforts and management strategies in other freshwater bodies.

The paper can be accessed here.