Key actions under this strategy include:
- Enhance in-lake monitoring of algae and hypoxic conditions and research on the factors contributing to these conditions;
- Improve monitoring of phosphorus loads in tributaries and watersheds;
- Invest in research and demonstration initiatives to improve knowledge and understanding of the effectiveness of BMPs, particularly BMPs to control soluble reactive phosphorus;
- Conduct research on factors driving toxicity in harmful algal blooms, including the role of nitrogen; and
- Apply ecosystem models to improve our ability to predict future ecosystem conditions.
A top binational priority is to conduct the necessary research, monitoring and modeling necessary to assess the effectiveness of phosphorus reduction actions on improving algae and hypoxia conditions in Lake Erie and track progress towards achievement of the phosphorus reduction targets and Lake Erie Objectives. Collaboration is needed by scientists from across the basin to assess conditions, identify science gaps and identify the research needed to fill those gaps. Furthermore, research and monitoring of nuisance benthic algae (Cladophora) must be coordinated to support the development of phosphorus reduction targets in eastern Lake Erie.
Related Content
United States: ARS edge of field water quality research
Updated on: September 23 2019
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA works to determine the effectiveness of various conservation practices by monitoring changes in nutrient losses from fields over time. This type of research is often referred to as "edge-of-field" monitoring since it characterizes nutrients, including phosphorus, leaving the field. The ARS participates in Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) and, as an extension of CEAP, operates an extensive network of edge-of-field monitoring sites.
United States: Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP)
Updated on: September 23 2019
The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) is a multi-agency effort, led by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices and programs and develop the science base for managing the agricultural landscape for environmental quality.
United States: Edge-of-field BMP monitoring in GLRI priority watersheds
Updated on: September 23 2019
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts edge-of-field monitoring in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) priority watersheds, including the Maumee River basin, to analyze the effects of GLRI-funded best management practices (BMPs) on sediment and nutrient losses from fields.
United States: Great Lakes Tributary Monitoring Program
Updated on: September 23 2019
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts tributary monitoring to track changes and identify long-term trends in nutrient and sediment loads to the Great Lakes.
United States: In-lake monitoring
Updated on: September 23 2019
The U.S. EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are working on a variety of activities to monitor and asses water quality, while also working to develop tools to forecast harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.
United States: Linking Soil Health Assessment to Edge of Field Water Quality in the Great Lakes Basin
Updated on: September 23 2019
This is a partnership among USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Department of Natural & Applied Sciences, Purdue University's Department of Agronomy, and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Science Centers in New York and Wisconsin. The partners will conduct soil health assessments in conjunction with edge-of-field (EoF) water quality monitoring projects established in the GLRI Priority Watersheds. The long-term goal of the project is to document and help build understanding of the relationships between soil health conservation practices and water quality effects of those. The focus of this project is to establish:
- standardized, in-field soil health monitoring protocols for USGS EoF sites
- to create a robust baseline dataset of soil health at USGS EoF sites
- to connect field-scale soil health parameters with the water quality leaving these fields.
Ohio: Edge-of-field monitoring and research
Updated on: September 23 2019
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) continues to support edge-of-field monitoring efforts and research coming out of the Ohio State University and USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Ohio: CSO Loadings
Updated on: September 24 2019
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, along with other local partners, conduct monitoring of nutrient discharge levels from priority combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to evaluate seasonal and annual loads.
Ohio: Water quality monitoring network
Updated on: September 24 2019
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has assisted in the establishing a comprehensive/continuous water quality monitoring network specific to tracking progress toward meeting the Ohio Domestic Action Plan and Annex 4 goals.
Ohio: Open water monitoring system
Updated on: September 24 2019
Existing monitoring funds will be used to implement an open water monitoring system in western Lake Erie.
Pennsylvania: Provide greater assurance of Pennsylvania phosphorus loading estimations
Updated on: September 23 2019
The estimated phosphorus loading contributions to the central Lake Erie basin from Pennsylvania tributaries – and the statistical confidence in those loading estimations – require additional focus and effort to assure accuracy.
New York: Nuisance and harmful algal bloom research
Updated on: September 23 2019
New York State has established and implemented various programs and initiatives to research water quality issues throughout the state relating to Harmful Algal Blooms. New York State is also committed to participating in the Great Lakes Water Quality Act’s (GLWQA) Annex 4 Cladophora initiatives and research. New York will continue ongoing research efforts on algal blooms both within Lake Erie and other New York waters.
Indiana: St. Marys River Watershed Initiative
Updated on: September 23 2019
The St. Marys River Watershed Initiative is a paired watershed monitoring and soil health monitoring project.
Michigan: Support the development and implementation of approved Watershed Management Plans in the Michigan’s portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin
Updated on: September 23 2019
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will support the development and implementation of approved watershed management plans (WMPs) in Michigan’s portion of the Maumee River watershed and Michigan's watersheds that discharge directly into western Lake Erie.
Michigan: Identify priority areas and actions in Michigan’s portion of the Maumee River Watershed for phosphorus reductions
Updated on: September 23 2019
Only a small portion (about 7 percent) of the Maumee watershed lies within Michigan’s borders. Michigan is partnering with Indiana, Ohio, the U.S. EPA, and the U.S. Geological Survey to ensure appropriate monitoring of the watershed. Though continued monitoring is needed, initial monitoring and analysis has revealed that certain parts of the Maumee watershed in Michigan have higher phosphorus concentrations than others.