Reporting on the status, trends, and drivers of algal blooms on Lake of the Woods using satellite-derived bloom indices (2002–2021)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2022.12.007
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20T20:22:53Z
• Authors: C.E. Binding; C. Zeng; L. Pizzolato; C. Booth; R. Valipour; P. Fong; A. Zastepa; T. Pascoe
• Keywords: Bloom

Despite significant declines in external phosphorus loads, Lake of the Woods continues to experience severe recurring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) covering as much 80% lake surface area. Satellite-derived bloom indices were used assess status, trends, and drivers cHAB conditions for period 2002 2021 support developing ecosystem objectives response indicators lake. Areas greatest potential concern, with most prolonged occurrences, southeast Significant decreases suggest may now be responding historical nutrient reductions. The rates decrease within main water flow paths, little change more isolated embayments, suggesting flushing plays a key role regulating regional severity. inter-annual variability phenology was observed, peaking later recent years, which climate-induced changes watershed. absence direct relationship between loads annual severity reflects complexity lake's eutrophication roles other including climate strong legacy effect sedimentary nutrients. A case study 2017 season captures compounding interaction meteorological seasonal delivery response. Results highlight need greater understanding aid forecasting recovery under both management scenarios.