Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of harmful algal blooms in Western Lake Erie

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Western Lake Erie have significant ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Agricultural runoff transported by the Maumee River, heavy rains, and wind events have been attributed as causes for bloom initiation. However these and other potential ecological and physical drivers influencing the temporal and spatial distribution of the bloom are not fully understood. Here we merge satellite imagery with continuous in water measurements to further elucidate spatial and temporal patterns of HABs. Continuous observations of chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and CDOM fluorescence, oxygen, phosphate, temperature, turbidity, and conductivity were recorded in the summer of 2013 and 2014 from a Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) buoy. Satellite imagery classified into optical water types based upon remote sensing reflectance is used to quantify spatial and temporal variability of the bloom and to determine what water mass, whether the Detroit or Maumee River, the LOBO is sampling at a given time. Specifically, we aim to better understand the impact the Detroit River has on bloom characteristics within the basin by utilizing LOBO measurements and satellite water type classification. The results from this project will help assist environmental monitoring programs to understand bloom movement, distribution, and initiation. Additionally, the data may reveal the influence of the Maumee and Detroit Rivers on bloom dispersal and mixing lending further insight into the divers of bloom variability.