GLIN==> Ohio Sea Grant Partners with Agencies to Produce Harmful Algae Fact Sheet

Ohio Sea Grant Partners with Agencies to Produce Harmful Algae Fact Sheet

August 25, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBUS, OH - This summer, there have been warnings about high
concentrations of harmful algae at several Ohio State Parks and maybe we
haven't seen the worst of it yet. The growth of these harmful algae will
peak next month and on top of that, this year's harmful algal blooms (HAB)
are predicted to reach historic levels. "The frequency of blooms around the
state and in western Lake Erie already this year doesn't bode well for late
summer 2010," says Eugene Braig, assistant director of the Ohio Sea Grant
College Program.

Many types of HABs are dangerous because they produce toxins, or poisons,
that can cause illness or irritation-sometimes even death-in pets,
livestock, and humans.

To educate members of  the public about the risks of HABs, Ohio Sea Grant
partnered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency to produce a four-page fact sheet. You can
view the HAB fact sheet here:
http://www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/_documents/publications/FS/FS-091HarmfulAlga
lBloomsInOhioWaters2010.pdf. Printed versions are also available at all Ohio
Sea Grant Extension offices and at the OEPA Division of Surface Water's
Inland Lakes Program.
	
Algal blooms thrive by feeding on excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and
nitrogen from watershed sources. Blooms can be minimized by reducing the
nutrients and pollutants added to the water, especially phosphorus. "These
things are native here. They tend to not become a problem until the
activities of people make the conditions right for a problem," Braig says.

At the East Harbor State Park beach, Ohio EPA tests found microcystin toxin
concentrations of 19 parts per billion (ppb), near-harmful levels, and the
agency has posted signs warning the public to avoid contact with the water.
According to the World Health Organization, risk to human health from
recreational contact is considered low at microcystin concentrations of 4
ppb and moderate at 20 ppb.

To decrease the likelihood of illness, the public is advised to avoid
contact with waters that have HAB advisories posted or anywhere the water is
pea green, has a floating bright green scum, or is generally discolored.
Never allow family members or pets to drink lake or river water, and be sure
to rinse off after swimming in natural waters.

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Contact:

Frank Lichtkoppler, Ohio State University Extension Specialist:
440.350.2582, lichtkoppler.1 at osu.edu

Eugene Braig, Assistant Director, Ohio Sea Grant: 614.247.6684,
braig.1 at osu.edu