Why this work?

The return of large harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, as well as low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in lake bottom waters, have led to an intensified effort to understand, predict and reduce nutrient loading to the lake. Coastal wetland restoration has been identified as a management tool for achieving an international goal of 40% reduction in phosphorus loading to Lake Erie. For example, wetland restoration is central to nutrient reduction plans for Sandusky Bay, Ohio. However, the capacity of different coastal wetlands to retain nutrients and improve water quality is not well understood.

About this project

This project will address key information gaps identified by land managers, regulators and conservation groups involved in coastal wetland restoration and management efforts around Lake Erie. Specifically, these groups want more precise estimates of nutrient retention in wetlands to inform decisions around wetland management, hydrologic reconnection of diked wetlands, and the potential creation of coastal wetlands to manage nutrient run-off. The ability to quantify and communicate about the role of wetlands in nutrient management is critical for the development of achievable plans for meeting agreed upon water quality targets for Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay.

Project leads and contact

Kristi Arend, Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, Email: [email protected]
Emily Kuzmick, Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, Email: [email protected]
Song Qian, University of Toledo, Email: [email protected] 

For more information, view the project factsheet (PDF).