Which organization sets phosphorus reduction targets to mitigate harmful algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• B. Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• C. International Joint Commission (IJC)
• D. U.S. Geological Survey

Answer: (C)

This question taps into who sets cross-border nutrient targets to address harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes basin. The International Joint Commission is the binational body formed by the United States and Canada to oversee water quality issues in the Great Lakes region. Under the binational framework, it develops and recommends phosphorus loading targets for the Western Lake Erie Basin to curb nutrient-driven algal blooms. These targets guide actions by federal, state, and provincial agencies to reduce phosphorus inputs from sources like agriculture, wastewater, and stormwater. While agencies such as the EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and USGS perform monitoring, regulation, and on-the-ground work, the formal basin-wide phosphorus targets come from the IJC’s binational process.