Despite a reduction in operations at the Experimental Lakes Area, west of Vermilion Bay, there are some researchers out there this summer.
Executive Director Matt McCandless says while they had to cancel some of their projects because of COVID-19, they have been able to go ahead with others.
“What we will be doing this year is continuing long-term monitoring. So studying the temperature of fish, lakes and biota of lakes. And this is the famous 52 year long data record. It will continue unbroken this year.”
He adds “Our long-term work on algae. Understanding that harmful algae, which of course is a problem and emerging issue with lakes around the world, including Lake of the Woods, that work is going to continue this year as well.”
McCandless says they usually have about 60 researchers out at the ELA at any given time, but this summer, they expect to have about 75% less.
“Some of our experiments that we are suspending for the year include the oil spill experiment. That will be restarting next year as opposed to this year. Similarly a new project on micro-plastics. We’re going to be doing some preparatory work for it this year, but really it’s going to start in full-swing next year as well.”
