In 2006 after a northeastern storm, a species of blue-green algae was spotted on the shores of Maumee Bay. This species, Lyngbya wallei had never been spotted in Lake Erie before. Not winter hardy, it thrives in southern states. The algae survived in the thermally warmed water from the coal fired power plants at the mouth of the Maumee River. The shallow waters of Maumee Bay did not freeze in 2006-2007, and the invasive algae successfully overwintered.
Lyngbya grows in sediments, and Maumee Bay and the Maumee River are the most dredged areas in the Great Lakes. Approximately 800,000 cubic yards of sediments are dredged and dumped in the open lake; a practice may have spread the Lyngbya. It has been spotted at Reno Beach, nine miles west of Maumee Bay State Park, at Luna Pier in Michigan and around the islands.
Lyngbya is a form of blue-green algae. Clinically known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae they have more in common with bacteria than algae. They have been in Lake Erie for centuries but typically do not grow large enough to bloom. Blue-green algae often contain toxins and pose a health threat.
Lyngbya likes warm water, sewage, calm water and urban runoff. This year the bloom is expected to peak in early September. Experts believe that this will be one of the worst years for algae blooms. Dr. John Rodgers of Clemson University considers it among the top ten worst environmental enemies of his 30 year career.
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