Local leaders learn threat harmful algal blooms pose to Erie community

If you've ever been swimming at Presque Isle, you may have seen signs advising you to avoid the green, murky areas of the water, also known as "harmful algal blooms."

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) occur when warm temperatures and excess nutrients in water runoff cause certain species of algae to rapidly reproduce, some of which release toxins into bodies of water like Lake Erie.

One Gannon University director said the current water temperature of Lake Erie is in the 60s, which is uncommon in October, and as the climate keeps getting warmer, HABs have become more likely to sprout.

"What's happening with climate change, we're seeing the lake temperatures rise, and as a consequence of that, we're seeing these larger, more long-term harmful algal blooms, and they're growing," said Sherri Mason