"Great Lakes Aren't Doing So Great, Says New Government Study"

"WASHINGTON, D. C. - Toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes have dropped but invasive species and algal blooms threaten the lakes' ecosystems and keep them from being truly great, says a new report from the U.S. and Canadian governments.

The 'State of the Great Lakes 2017 Highlights Report' from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its Canadian counterparts says Lake Erie is in the worst condition. It describes Lake Erie as 'deteriorating,' with algal blooms caused by agricultural runoff contaminating drinking water in its western end, and beach fouling and habitat loss plaguing its eastern end.

Positive trends in Lake Erie include increased walleye throughout the lake, declines in sea lamprey injuries to native fish, and a resurgence of native plants in Michigan and Ohio after a successful campaign to reduce invasive phragmites."

Sabrina Eaton reports for the Cleveland Plain Dealer June 20, 2017.