NOAA bulletin puts western Lake Erie bloom at about 220 square miles

A NOAA bulletin dated Sunday puts western Lake Erie's cyanobacteria bloom at about 220 square miles and warns that toxins can concentrate in surface scum.

The Oct. 25 bulletin from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration carries a summary dated Oct. 23, reporting an increase in bloom area since Oct. 22. Its satellite image is dated Oct. 24; its forecast model was updated Sunday.

The summary describes bloom areas north of Maumee Bay toward Stony Point, Michigan, and south of Leamington, Ontario, extending beyond Pelee Island. It says patches may remain near the Michigan and Ohio shores, including Maumee Bay.

NOAA reports toxin detections below the recreational limit in western Lake Erie but cautions that scum can contain higher concentrations. The agency advises people and pets to stay out of water where they see scum.