This powerpoint presentation begins by providing introductory information on the Great Lakes region. Four centuries of human induced
stresses have caused symptoms that include:
invasive species (zebra mussels; lamprey);
extirpation of important native species
(lake trout);
loss of coastal wetlands (90% along Lakes
Huron and Erie);
fish consumption advisories; and,
algal blooms. These symptoms inturn are leading to:
a loss of buffering capacity in the nearshore
areas - damaged self-regulating mechanisms;
anoxic/hypoxic zones;
rapid disappearance of amphipods that are
the building blocks of the ecosystem; and,
multiple sources of extreme stress leading to:
non-linear changes,
a tipping point - ecosystem breakdown, and
important consequences for human well-being
and sustainability. A history of the American-Canadian managing of shared waters is provided, and the argument for the need of a new vision is outlined with environmental, economic and social goals included. The basis for a new vision for the Great Lakes includes:
recognition of the multiple, cumulative,
changing stresses on the Lakes;
government commitment, accountability,
sufficient financial resources;
citizen engagement, education; and,
everyone doing their part to protect an
awesome global asset for which we have
shared responsibility, The Great Lakes.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 650 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 18 |
| Published : | 06/01/2007 |
