ERIE, MI (WTOL) - Toxic algae is affecting fishery in Lake Erie, according to Ohio's Lake Erie Fisheries Program. Experts now predict a decline in walleye and yellow perch populations in the lake.
Charter boat captains said they have already experienced a decline in business because of it.
"There's definitely a change in the type of fishery... It's harder everyday to go get your fish, to get your walleyes and perch. We started out in 2005 with numbers around 70 million walleye, and now we are in the low 20 millions," said Paul Pacholski, Vice President of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association.
During peak algae bloom in late summer, the toxic blue-green algae was visible by satellite. The water at Maumee Bay had a green tint. The toxic algae bloom forced short-term beach closures.
Pacholski blames the algae bloom, as well as poor spring weather for recruitment, for the walleye decline. When algae decomposes, it sucks oxygen from the lake. Walleye are high-oxygen fish.
"As the water quality goes down, it favors rough species of fish, such as white perch... catfish," said Pacholski.
Pacholski said charter boat businesses have seen sharp declines in recent years. The Lake Erie Charter Boat Association continues to meet with government and environmental leaders in hopes of finding a solution.
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