Ohio Sea Grant, on behalf of The Ohio State University, The University of Toledo and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), has released the 2023 research findings update for the statewide Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative (HABRI), which seeks solutions for harmful algal blooms in Ohio.

Lake Erie anglers who rely on charter guides for fishing will soon have a richer experience out on the water thanks to a new certification program from the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) and Ohio Sea Grant.

Researchers at The University of Toledo studying the health effects pharmaceuticals, plastics and forever chemicals found in our soil, water and air have found that pre-existing conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, could increase susceptibility to the toxins.

Ohio Sea Grant researchers at The University of Toledo spent the past two summers collecting samples of various bacteria and algae at sites across the region’s shoreline to study microbe diversity. The tiny organisms are critical to Lake Erie’s ecosystems, providing energy for the entire aquatic food web through photosynthesis.

Ohio Sea Grant, Stone Lab and education partners across South Bass Island will host Lake Erie Awareness Day on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Aquatic Visitors Center, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Cooper’s Woods Preserve, Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, South Bass Island State Park and South Bass Island Lighthouse.

Visitors to South Bass Island once again have the chance to explore Lake Erie science and history at the South Bass Island Lighthouse, the Aquatic Visitors Center and on Gibraltar Island this summer.

Thanks to a partnership with the binational Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) through the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, a joint initiative of CGLR and Canada-based Pollution Probe, as well as generous funding and support provided from Meijer, a Midwest retailer, Ohio Sea Grant plans to deploy two litter capture and clean-up devices, a BeBot and a Pixie Drone, at Hinckley Reservation and Fairport Harbor Beach, as well as other locations along the Ohio coast, in collaboration with local partners, Cleveland Metroparks, Lake Metroparks, Eriesponsible, Cuyahoga Community College Youth Technology Academy, Argonauts and Port of Cleveland.

New research indicates nocturnal migrating songbirds might rely on archipelagos like North, Middle and South Bass Islands on Lake Erie as a navigation aid or resting place.