Scientists focus on Lake Erie algae

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. (AP) - Scientists are developing proposals for dealing with the worsening problem of harmful algae in Lake Erie.

Experts from the U.S. and Canada met Monday and Tuesday in Windsor, Ontario, to discuss findings from research into blue-green algae blooms on the lake. They are toxic and have caused animal deaths.

The scientists are examining sources of phosphorus, the leading culprit behind the algae blooms. They're also studying how climate change may contribute to the outbreak by causing increasingly severe storms, which promote runoff of nutrients from farms and cities.

The workshop was convened by the International Joint Commission, a U.S.-Canadian agency that advises both governments about issues affecting shared waterways.

The commission plans to release a draft report for public comment in May and a final version by early September.