An improved ecological model and software for short-term algal bloom forecasting

•A Windows-based Software has been developed to forecast short-term algal bloom in Lake Taihu, China.•The EcoTaihu model was redesigned as simulation engine.•Friendly graphic user interfaces are direct-viewing and convenient for operation.•The HABs prediction can be viewed through webpage for risk evaluation.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been widely reported and have become a serious environmental problem worldwide due to their negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and human health. To predict algal blooms in Lake Taihu, a Windows-based Software integrating the EcoTaihu model (WSE) was developed. The WSE encapsulated external functions, boundary conditions, and parameter settings of the EcoTaihu model and the water-quality data and satellite remote sensing data assimilation modules. The outputs of the WSE prediction were generally consistent with the observations. The user-friendly graphic user interface of WSE was direct-viewing and convenient to operate. In addition, the prediction can be viewed through the webpage for HAB risk evaluation.