June 26 (UPI) -- The NOAA on Thursday forecast a mild to moderate harmful algal bloom for western Lake Erie this summer.
This year's bloom is expected to measure 3 on the HAB severity index, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said. Moderate blooms have an index of 3-5, while an index above 5 indicates what officials called "more severe" HABs, saying blooms over 7 are particularly severe and disruptive.
A year ago in June, NOAA made a similar prediction about toxic algal blooms affecting western Lake Erie.
In making their prediction on Thursday, NOAA scientists said Lake Erie HABs consisting of cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae) are capable of producing microcystin, a known liver toxin that poses a human risk. It also is a threat to wildlife in the region.
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