No more algal bloom updates via email until shutdown is over, NOAA says

Bulletins emailed to dozens of scientists, public officials, water-treatment plant operators, journalists, and concerned citizens about the ongoing status of western Lake Erie’s 2025 algal bloom are being suspended until the government shutdown ends.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the announcement Wednesday but said automated forecasts and satellite imagery will continue to be provided on the agency’s webpage, barring any unforeseen system failures.

NOAA said in its most recent email bulletin on Monday that the bloom had receded to about 20 square miles but is continuing to show “persistent patches” along the western Lake Erie shoreline from Monroe to Port Clinton.