A $6.5 million grant has been awarded to the University of Michigan to establish a center for studying the connections between climate change, harmful algal blooms, and human health in the Great Lakes region. Harmful algal blooms, particularly blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. These blooms are becoming more prevalent due to increased precipitation, stronger storms, and warmer Great Lakes waters.
While harmful algal blooms are commonly associated with Lake Erie, they are now occurring in all five of the Great Lakes. These blooms can manifest as discolored water resembling spilled paint, scum, streaks, mats