Deadly algae and invasive species are choking the life out of Lake Erie. It recovered from near-death 40 years ago, but the regulations that helped save it last time are under increasing attack.
Invasive algae has overtaken Lake Erie, and biologists say the ecosystem is in real danger of collapse:
"The lake's center contains a growing dead zone, devoid of oxygen during summer months. Invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels are wreaking havoc with its ecology. The fish that make Lake Erie a tourism draw, including yellow perch and smallmouth bass, are seeing their predators grow and their habitats shrink."
Writer Barry Yeoman says there is plenty of blame to go around:
"...from changing agricultural methods to inattentive politicians to weaknesses in our nation's bedrock environmental protections -- many of which can partially trace their existence to concern over Lake Erie in the first place."
FULL STORY: Lake Erie Death Watch
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