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 Investments
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: January 21 2020
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: December 4 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: December 9 2019
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducts monitoring to track changes and identify long-term trends in nutrient and sediment loads to the Great Lakes in 26 major tributaries across the basin. Eight of these tributaries drain directly to Lake Erie, and two others drain to the St. Clair – Detroit River System.
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.
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: Water quality monitoring network
Updated on: April 14 2021
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: August 10 2020
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: June 3 2020
New York State's Water Quality Rapid Response Team, national experts and local stakeholders collaboratively developed Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plans for twelve priority lakes that are vulnerable to HABs. These twelve lakes represent a wide range of conditions and the lessons learned will be applied to other impacted waterbodies in the state.
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: Identify priority areas and actions in Michigan’s portion of the Maumee River Watershed for phosphorus reductions
Updated on: November 8 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.
United States: Phosphorus-optimal wetlands
Updated on: June 6 2019
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working in collaboration with other Great Lakes stakeholders interested in using wetlands for phosphorus reduction, including The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, academic institutions, and other federal agencies. Research and an engineering evaluation will inform decision-making about the potential for treatment wetlands to be a significant part of controlling phosphorus from agricultural runoff in the Great Lakes.
New York: Lake Erie tributary monitoring
Updated on: June 3 2020
The Lake Erie watershed has been identified through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Clean Water Planning Initiative as a high priority for water quality improvement, and Lake Erie is currently the focus of binational efforts under Annex 4 (Nutrients) of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) to assess and reduce nutrient loadings. The objectives of this project are:
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