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Cyanobacterial HAB Monitoring using Satellite Imagery for the United States Great Lakes region created by the NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting Branch (HAB-F) from 2000 to 2024 (NCEI Accession 0312614)

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Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) are an ongoing threat to water quality, ecosystems, economies, and public health in the Great Lakes region, especially in Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron, Green Bay in Lake Michigan, and Lake Winnebago. Long-term time series data are required to characterize bloom phenology, assess trends in phenological changes, and understand the key drivers that cause and exacerbate blooms. A 25-year, continuous, and cross-sensor-consistent satellite-based time series (2000–2024) of cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) observations is presented for the United States Great Lakes region. This time series was created using data from multiple satellite ocean color sensors, specifically Envisat-Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS), Sentinel-3A/B OLCI, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-Terra. To bridge the observational gap between the MERIS and Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) sensors, the Cyanobacteria Index (CIcyano) was derived from MODIS-Terra using CyanNet, a science-informed deep learning framework, and harmonized with CIcyano products from MERIS and OLCI.
  • Cite as: Mishra, Sachidananda; Meredith, Andrew; Wynne, Timothy; Hounshell, Alexandria G.; Stumpf, Richard P. (2026). Cyanobacterial HAB Monitoring using Satellite Imagery for the United States Great Lakes region created by the NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting Branch (HAB-F) from 2000 to 2024 (NCEI Accession 0312614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/wzk1-r208. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:0312614
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Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 2000-06-01 to 2024-11-15
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -92.4
East: -74.528
South: 40.941
North: 49.141
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Mishra, S., Stumpf, R. P., Wynne, T. T., & Hounshell, A. G. (2026). Two decades of cyanobacterial bloom dynamics in the Great Lakes: insights from multi-mission ocean color sensors. Environmental Research: Ecology, 5(1), 015005. https://doi.org/10.1088/2752-664x/ae4631
  • Lunetta, R. S., Schaeffer, B. A., Stumpf, R. P., Keith, D., Jacobs, S. A., & Murphy, M. S. (2015). Evaluation of cyanobacteria cell count detection derived from MERIS imagery across the eastern USA. Remote Sensing of Environment, 157, 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2014.06.008
  • Mishra, S., Stumpf, R. P., & Meredith, A. (2023). Constructing a Consistent and Continuous Cyanobacteria Bloom Monitoring Product from Multi-Mission Ocean Color Instruments. Remote Sensing, 15(22), 5291. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15225291
  • Stumpf, R. P., Wynne, T. T., Baker, D. B., & Fahnenstiel, G. L. (2012). Interannual Variability of Cyanobacterial Blooms in Lake Erie. PLoS ONE, 7(8), e42444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042444
  • Stumpf, R. P., Johnson, L. T., Wynne, T. T., & Baker, D. B. (2016). Forecasting annual cyanobacterial bloom biomass to inform management decisions in Lake Erie. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 42(6), 1174–1183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2016.08.006
  • Wynne, T., & Stumpf, R. (2015). Spatial and Temporal Patterns in the Seasonal Distribution of Toxic Cyanobacteria in Western Lake Erie from 2002–2014. Toxins, 7(5), 1649–1663. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins7051649
  • Wallmo, K. (2020). Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting Branch Ocean Color Satellite Imagery Processing Guidelines, 2020 Update. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS ; 296. https://doi.org/10.25923/606t-m243
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2026-03-24
  • creation: 2026-02-18
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) provides near-daily satellite-derived products to monitor cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms in the Great Lakes Region from July to October. These blooms thrive in warmer water conditions and significantly affect areas such as Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, Green Bay on Lake Michigan, and Lake Winnebago. These blooms are mainly composed of Microcystis, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, contaminating drinking water and negatively affecting lake-dependent communities and businesses. To effectively understand the patterns and drivers of harmful algal blooms (HABs), a consistent, continuous, long-term time series of observations is essential for the Great Lakes region. This information can guide effective management strategies that safeguard both public health and local ecosystems.
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Mishra, Sachidananda; Meredith, Andrew; Wynne, Timothy; Hounshell, Alexandria G.; Stumpf, Richard P. (2026). Cyanobacterial HAB Monitoring using Satellite Imagery for the United States Great Lakes region created by the NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting Branch (HAB-F) from 2000 to 2024 (NCEI Accession 0312614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/wzk1-r208. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Principal Investigators
Resource Providers
Points of Contact
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Acknowledgments
  • Funding Agency: NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
  • Funding Agency: US EPA; Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords NCCOS Research Data Type
  • Derived Data Product
  • Geospatial
  • Long-term Monitoring
NCCOS Research Priority
  • Stressor Impacts and Mitigation
NCCOS Research Topic
  • Forecasting
  • Harmful Algal Blrooms (HAB)
  • Monitoring
  • Remote Sensing
Provider Keywords
  • 10-day Accumulated CIcyano biomass
  • 10-day Bloom Area
  • Blue green algae
  • Cyanobacteria
  • Microcystis
  • Public health
  • Satellite remote sensing
Data Center keywords NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Platform keywords NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords ICES/SeaDataNet Ship Codes Provider Platform Names
  • Copernicus
  • Envisat from European Space Agency
  • Sentinel-3 satellite
  • Terra satellite from NASA
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords Provider Instruments
  • Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra satellite from NASA, Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS)
  • satellite
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords NCCOS Research Location
  • Region > Great Lakes
  • U.S. States and Territories > Michigan
  • U.S. States and Territories > Ohio
  • U.S. States and Territories > Wisconsin
Provider Place Names
  • Green Bay
  • Lake Erie
  • Lake Winnebago
  • Saginaw Bay
  • Sandusky Bay
Project keywords Provider Project Names
  • NCCOS HAB Forecasting
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Keywords Send2NCEI Submission Package ID
  • PCLU1W
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Mishra, Sachidananda; Meredith, Andrew; Wynne, Timothy; Hounshell, Alexandria G.; Stumpf, Richard P. (2026). Cyanobacterial HAB Monitoring using Satellite Imagery for the United States Great Lakes region created by the NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting Branch (HAB-F) from 2000 to 2024 (NCEI Accession 0312614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/wzk1-r208. Accessed [date].
Data License
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
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  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • 2026-03-24T16:24:55Z - NCEI Accession 0312614 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • Parameter or Variable: harmful algal blooms (HABs) (calculated); Units: n/a; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: satellite
  • Parameter or Variable: Microcystis (calculated); Units: n/a; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: n/a
  • Parameter or Variable: Cyanobacteria (calculated); Units: n/a; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: n/a
  • Parameter or Variable: Blue green algae (calculated); Units: n/a; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: n/a
  • Parameter or Variable: Satellite remote sensing (calculated); Units: n/a; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: satellite
  • Parameter or Variable: Public health (measured); Units: n/a; Observation Category: other; Sampling Instrument: n/a
  • Parameter or Variable: 10-day Accumulated CIcyano biomass (calculated); Units: Dimensionless; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra satellite from NASA, Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (M; Sampling and Analyzing Method: 10-day accumulated areal biomass as measured from 10-day maximum composites of satellite remote sensing imagery (CIcyano) for the regions around the U.S. Great Lakes. Basin-wide accumulated cyanobacterial areal biomass is calculated for pixels with >20,000 cells per L (DN>42) for each 10-day period from day of year (DOY) 151 through 310.; Data Quality Method: Visual inspection of daily CIcyano image and 10-day maximum imagery from MODIS-CyanNet for all regions.
  • Parameter or Variable: 10-day Bloom Area (calculated); Units: Dimensionless; Observation Category: satellite; Sampling Instrument: Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra satellite from NASA, Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (M; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Bloom extent was calculated by multiplying the number of pixels above 20,000 cells per L (DN>42) by the sensor pixel area and expressed in km2 units. The bloom area time series includes area estimates for the center date of each 10-day period from day of year (DOY) 151 through 310.; Data Quality Method: Visual inspection of daily CIcyano image and 10-day maximum imagery from MODIS-CyanNet for all regions.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • MERIS
  • MODIS
  • Ocean Land Color Imager
Platform
  • Earth Observation Satellites
  • Sentinel-3A
  • Sentinel-3B
  • Terra
Last Modified: 2026-06-08T13:23:10Z
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