In the News - Articles of Interest
Jun 12, 2025
Lake Erie water levels require boaters’ attention in Ohio
According to the International Joint Commission, Lake Erie water is at its lowest level since 2014.
Without the first respectable period of ice cover in three years, which at times covered 90% of the lake, it could have been worse as evaporation may have taken a bigger toll in the form of lake effect snow. It was clear when the boating season started in March that Lake Erie’s water level was down when the Ohio ramps to the lake looked longer. River and harbor entrances in some locations that allowed boating outside the dredged channels now contain sediment deposits too shallow to get through.
Jun 14, 2025
Microbiologists document algal toxins in Lake Erie beach
Local beachgoers know to stay out of the water when the pea-green expanse of a harmful algal bloom settles into Maumee Bay.
But what about the sand?
University of Toledo microbiologists explored the question in a recently published study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Great Lakes Research. Through laboratory tests on a season's worth of sand and water samples from Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio, they documented the accumulation of an algal toxin in the portion of the beach that is regularly inundated by lake waves—and established that it sticks around for up to three weeks.
May 20, 2025
Ohio Marine Trades Association Releases Spring 2025 Report
House Bill 54, OMTA supported amendment to exempt watercraft dealers from having title transfers notarized. We heard from our that having a notary on staff at all times had gotten burdensome, so we requested an exemption modeled after one provided to auto dealers. A notarization will still be required for casual sales. But for registered watercraft dealers, it will no longer be required. OMTA is pleased to report that the final version retains this provision.
Feb 7, 2025
ODA recognizes contributions to Ohio water quality
The Ohio Department of Agriculture recognized three entities for their significant leadership and commitment to conservation. Independent crop consultant Joe Nester, the Lucas County Engineer’s Office, and the Greene Soil & Water Conservation District were all honored for their contributions to improving water quality through H2Ohio.
Feb 7, 2025
OH group wants federal accountability for Lake Erie phosphorus reduction
Legal action continues in efforts at cleaning up a portion of Ohio's waterways.
The Ohio EPA has been added as a defendant, along with the U.S. EPA, in a lawsuit filed by the Board of Lucas County Commissioners, the City of Toledo, and the Environmental Law and Policy Center, arguing the two agencies failed to have an effective plan to prevent dangerous amounts of phosphorus from occupying Lake Erie. Phosphorus produces cyanobacteria which appears in water as blue-green or brownish algae.
