Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Ohio Bob, do you go back far enough to remember Clear Water Inc. and Mr. Ned Skeldon in Toledo? Some people remember Mr. Skeldon better for the Toledo Mud Hens. But, he had a day job to make Lake Erie better. At the time (60’s/70’s), Lake Erie was declared to be a dead body of water. Mr. Skeldon, and the organization he led, had the ability, political connections, and resources to greatly improve Lake Erie’s dire problems. Today’s algae problems are different from Mr. Skeldon’s days. Now, only 5 % of the algae problem comes from our sewage treatment plants, industry, and old dumps. For a few memories, how about Reno Beach, Howard Farms, and Wards Canal? I remember both the green muck on the beaches and in the creeks. Our family cottages weren’t lakeshore and walking to the public lake beaches, barefoot, on the tar roads meant a foot cleaning with gasoline from our parents to remove the tar. The quality time with family is the much better memory I cherish than the algae and tar cleaning.

I remember fishing for perch in areas near the algae bloom from the 70's through the 90's. We just washed off the fish with some fresh water, then tossed them in the cooler. So we in the area have known about the algae bloom for decades and beyond. Makes me wonder if this is a matter of simply more strict "safety" limits or actually an increase in the size and intensity of the algae? Anyone else have the same memories?

Enjoy your Lake Erie perch fishing again this year, Ed! I replied to your post with information from the Ohio DNR, which was your concern. Thank you to the other posts giving identified, reliable sources for safety. Do I personally consume Lake Erie fish? Yes, but not from the rivers/near shore HAB. These perch are from the water between the Toledo shipping channel and West Sister Island.

Thanks to everyone for the information. We've waited all winter for a chance to just go fishing and eat perch !

Story in the Blade says fish are safe to eat.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Medical/2014 ... s-say.html

According to this article in today's Toledo Blade, the answer is yes. Just don't wash them down with tap water.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Medical/2014 ... s-say.html

Ed, this information is from the Ohio DNR website…

“Some studies have shown that cyanotoxins can accumulate in fish in waters with high toxin levels. While there have been no confirmed reports of cyanotoxin-related human health effects related to fish consumption, there are few data on cyanotoxins on which to base judgments about health risk. Should you decide to consume fish, you would do so at your own risk, and should remove intestines, fat and skin, consuming only the fillet.”

This algae bloom will likely last into October. The pictures were taken at the Toledo Coast Guard station 09/28/2013.

We fish for perch in the western part of Lake Erie. The HAB ( algae blooms ) have gotten our attention. Does anyone know if the fish are safe to eat from Lake Erie ? I have contacted the Ohio DNR but, so far they have not issued a statement regarding this situation. TIA for any information.