This summer’s record breaking temperatures have spurred online boat sales as families head for the water to beat the heat. Boat traffic on the Great Lakes and inland lakes throughout the Midwest has been heavy this summer as people flock to the water. While hot weather makes a day on the water that much more enjoyable, it’s creating a serious problem that is closing many inland lakes to boat owners.
The summer heat wave has warmed water temperatures, allowing toxic algae to thrive and spread on inland lakes throughout the Midwest. Daytime temperatures in the 90s coupled with higher than normal overnight temperatures in the 70s have allowed temperature-sensitive algae to bloom out of control. Normally, colder nighttime temperatures kill off enough algae to balance daytime growth, but this year is different. One water quality expert called it “algae on steroids.”
As algae blooms, it depletes oxygen levels in inland lakes, threatening fish and other water life. Farm runoff that carries fertilizer chemicals and manure to streams and into lakes can cause toxic algae to develop. Toxic algae poses a serious threat to humans and pets. Several dogs and one man died in western Ohio after coming in contact with toxic algae at Grand Lake St. Marys. Toxic algae blooms have already closed 10 lakes in Ohio and 2 in Wisconsin with more lakes at risk. Boaters are warned to obey posted signs and avoid algae-smothered lakes.
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Tags: Boat Safety, Boating news
With evidence that the voracious Asian carp and quagga mussels are threatening the Great Lakes and that the contagious fish disease VHS, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, is now in waters as far north and west as Lake Superior, fishing and boating enthusiasts might be concerned that their favorite spots may be ruined. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) notes that prime waters can still be protected by the people who use them, particularly small bodies of water, streams and rivers where diseases and destructive invaders have not been detected.
APHIS offers a list of surprisingly simple steps to be taken to preserve our waters for generations to come:
1. Thoroughly clean and dry all fishing and boating equipment including bait buckets, boots, boats, and trailers with HOT water.
2. Empty all water from equipment including buckets and bilges.
3. Remove all visible mud, plants and aquatic life from equipment before transporting.
4. Do not move fish and plants from one body of water to another.
5. Buy bait from certified bait dealers and dispose of unused bait in a secure trash area away from the water.
For more information, visit http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org . You can also submit photos of your favorite fishing and boating memories to win a prize.