Has the goal for what we are trying to achieve in Lake Erie changed?

• No.
• NOAA’s update to their time series record does not change the definition of a “severe” or “mild” bloom, nor does it change the goal to achieve only a “mild” or no harmful algal bloom on an annual basis.
• More specifically, in the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Canada and the United States stated their objective is to “maintain cyanobacteria biomass at levels that do not produce concentrations of toxins that pose a threat to human or ecosystem health in the Waters of the Great Lakes.”
• The calibration of NOAA’s tool does not change the management actions planned and underway to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Erie. The phosphorus reduction targets and sources in need of reduction remain the same.