A new Illinois State University report says temperatures in the world's lakes are rising more than in the oceans or the atmosphere - which could worsen problems such as algae blooms and oxygen-deprived dead zones. The study combined satellite and ground measurements of 235 lakes over the past 25 years. It found their temperature has risen an average of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade. Scientists say it's significant for aquatic ecosystems. Study leader Catherine O'Reilly says warming temperatures are among stresses damaging water quality. The study predicts warming will increase algae blooms in lakes by 20 percent over the next century. Meanwhile, a report by the National Wildlife Federation shows Ohio's hunting and fishing heritage are threatened by global climate change. The report shows rising temperatures, extreme rainfall and increased algae blooms are putting additional stress on wildlife. Group spokesperson Frank Szollosi says longer and warmer summers are expanding the range of ticks and midges that cause hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer.
The report also says rising temperatures and extreme rainfall events increase the number of toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie. Dave Spangler is a Lake Erie charter boat captain. He says business fell by 25 percent this past summer, because algae blooms forced the cancelation of many charters.
Hunting, angling, boating and bird-watching activities in Ohio generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic activity.
