A global scan of how the issue of nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms is being addressed by governments, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems are of concern worldwide. This review deals with how jurisdictions around the world are addressing this water quality issue to inform recommendations regarding nutrient loading and HABs in Missisquoi Bay-Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog; transboundary lakes located in the USA and Canada that suffer from symptoms of eutrophication. A global scan of the literature resulted in the consideration of 12 case studies of large water bodies within large watersheds, excluding in-lake geoengineering approaches. Although all of the systems experience excessive nutrient loading, they vary in two key ways: sources of nutrients and manifestations of eutrophication ranging from HABs, to limited recreational uses, to the additional complexity of internal loadings and fish kills, up to drinking water shutdowns. The case studies were analyzed with respect to four categories of approaches, namely: (i) regulatory; (ii) incentive-based; (iii) risk mitigation; and (iv) outreach, engagement, and educational. We found that the management frameworks are based on integrated watershed management planning and national standards. National water quality standards, however, are not stringent enough to prevent HABs. Overall, identified case studies did not successfully remediate HABs, they simply managed them.