Michigan declares Western basin of Lake Erie 'impaired' due to algae

Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality has declared the Western Lake Erie Basin impaired due to excessive algae blooms.

In a news release, department officials state high levels of phosphorus are to blame.

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"Today's listing further supports the need for the goals established by the Western Basin of Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement, signed inJune of 2015, by Governor RickSnyder, Premier KathleenWynne, of the Province of Ontario and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor of Ohio," the statement reads.

Local commercial fisherman and industry representatives spokeout about this issue earlier this year. Theytold CBC Newsthey've seen the issue get worse over the last five years The harmful algae leads to smaller catches and fouled equipment.

The governmentsestablished the goalof reducing phosphorus, usually coming from fertilizer runoff from farm fields, of 40 per cent by 2025, with an interim goal of 20 per centreduction by 2020.