Federal weather officials will release their 2026 prediction for toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie during a media briefing scheduled for Thursday, June 25. The announcement will take place at a press conference organized by Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory.
The briefing will include expert analysis of the seasonal prediction, examination of how these dangerous algae blooms affect Lake Erie’s economic activity and surrounding communities, plus discussion of response efforts at federal, state and local levels. The presentation will be streamed online and include a moderated question-and-answer session for registered media representatives.
Attending in person: Those participating on-site will have the opportunity to meet with NOAA’s primary harmful algal bloom prediction specialist, join a research boat excursion to observe monitoring techniques firsthand, and witness laboratory demonstrations. Interested parties must confirm attendance using this form by June 19 due to limited capacity for in-person participation.
Joining virtually: Media representatives must register beforehand to access visual materials and participate in questions during the briefing. Alternatively, reporters may dial in by phone to listen, though they will not be able to participate in the question-and-answer portion.
Audio-only phone access:
US: 468-769-923
Webinar ID: 954 0651 1710
Password: 552444
TIMING
Thursday, June 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT
LOCATION
Stone Laboratory
The Ohio State University’s Island Campus
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Transportation details: In-person participants should board the Miller Ferry to South Bass Island leaving from Catawba Point at 9:30 am to arrive on time for the press conference. Stone Laboratory personnel will greet the ferry and provide transportation to the laboratory for the briefing. A meal will be provided.
PARTICIPANTS
• Rick Stumpf, NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
• Nate Manning, National Center for Water Quality Research, Heidelberg University
• Grace Young, University of Michigan
• Cal Buelo, US Environmental Protection Agency
• Chris Winslow, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory at The Ohio State University (Moderator)
