Integrating Remote Sensing and Numerical Modeling Technology to Detect and Manage Current and Future Harmful Algal Blooms in Louisiana’s Coastal and Tidal Waters
USGS is collaborating with partners to assess past and current CyanoHABs for the development of a predictive model and forecasting system for Lake Pontchartrain Estuary. This technology can be beneficial for informing future planning of water resource development projects, and the water management of the estuary.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Over 1.5 million people depend on Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Estuary for recreational and commercial fishing, beach use, boating, and swimming. However, the State’s Bonnet Carré Spillway is frequently opened to relieve the flooding pressure that the Mississippi River puts on the levees in New Orleans. This introduces nutrient-rich waters from the River as well as from Lake Maurepas and the other local tributaries to the lake, which can trigger cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs). The occurrence and frequency of CyanoHABs can pose challenges in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary because they produce toxins that harm wildlife and humans, discolor the water, and decrease property values. As coastal and tidal waters in Louisiana undergo profound changes due to heavy rain events, warmer temperatures, and other environmental shifts, CyanoHAB impacts are likely to worsen, affecting flood control and ecosystem restoration activities associated with water resource development projects in the State and across the Nation.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: The methods for this collaborative research include: 1) Assess past and current CyanoHABs to validate remote sensing imagery and calibrate a water quality model; 2) Use remote sensing imagery to assess CyanoHABs; 3) Develop a CyanoHAB model for Lake Pontchartrain Estuary; 4) Develop a forecasting system for CyanoHABs in Lake Pontchartrain Estuary; and 5) Transfer technologies to field practitioners that manage water resources.
Future Steps: This task will build research capacity to develop new, innovative methods or technology being developed under the Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Development Initiative.
USGS is collaborating with partners to assess past and current CyanoHABs for the development of a predictive model and forecasting system for Lake Pontchartrain Estuary. This technology can be beneficial for informing future planning of water resource development projects, and the water management of the estuary.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Over 1.5 million people depend on Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Estuary for recreational and commercial fishing, beach use, boating, and swimming. However, the State’s Bonnet Carré Spillway is frequently opened to relieve the flooding pressure that the Mississippi River puts on the levees in New Orleans. This introduces nutrient-rich waters from the River as well as from Lake Maurepas and the other local tributaries to the lake, which can trigger cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs). The occurrence and frequency of CyanoHABs can pose challenges in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary because they produce toxins that harm wildlife and humans, discolor the water, and decrease property values. As coastal and tidal waters in Louisiana undergo profound changes due to heavy rain events, warmer temperatures, and other environmental shifts, CyanoHAB impacts are likely to worsen, affecting flood control and ecosystem restoration activities associated with water resource development projects in the State and across the Nation.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: The methods for this collaborative research include: 1) Assess past and current CyanoHABs to validate remote sensing imagery and calibrate a water quality model; 2) Use remote sensing imagery to assess CyanoHABs; 3) Develop a CyanoHAB model for Lake Pontchartrain Estuary; 4) Develop a forecasting system for CyanoHABs in Lake Pontchartrain Estuary; and 5) Transfer technologies to field practitioners that manage water resources.
Future Steps: This task will build research capacity to develop new, innovative methods or technology being developed under the Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Development Initiative.