Trophic State

Great Lakes Trophic State 2001

Goal: Oligotrophic state in Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Eastern Basin of Lake Erie; oligomesotrophic in Lake Ontario and in Central Basin of Lake Erie; mesotrophic in Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Status: Goals are met.

Trends: The depletion of oxygen in the Central Basin of Lake Erie, in addition to potentially increasing phosphorus concentrations, indicate potential problems.

Issues: Increasing phosphorus loads and disruptions of food web by aquatic nuisance species may cause future problems in Lake Erie's Central Basin.

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