Protection of the Great Lakes

Reducing pollution and your ecological footprint for the Great Lakes!

By Katie Wilhelm

The Problem

          The Great Lakes in Canada should be considered the utmost important freshwater resource to all of Canadians, as it supports our nations drinking water, economy, and a significant number of fish and wildlife species (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2020). The Great Lakes are being monitored by various key indicators, that pertain to Canadians ‘beneficial uses’ of the water bodies, including economic prosperity, human health, and most importantly the environment (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2020). Impaired ‘beneficial uses’ create what are known as Areas of Concern for the Great Lakes regions, and currently include 17 areas in Canada, 12 areas solely in Canada, and 5 bordering the US (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2020). When areas of Great Lakes are considered impaired, there are severe repercussion for Canadians, including restrictions on drinking water, fish, and wildlife consumption, damages to the fisheries industry, decline in species populations due to habitat loss and pollution, and the overall ability to enjoy the many resources and benefits the Great Lakes have to offer (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2020). Below is an image showing the 17 areas of concern in the Great Lakes water basin in Canadian waters from 1987 to 2020.

What Can We Do?

            In order to protect the overall health and sustainability of the Great Lakes, we need to push municipal, provincial, and federal policy makers to establish stronger laws and guidelines regarding what types of activities are occurring in each region and take into consideration the impacts these practices may have on such a valuable piece of our Canadian environment. Our communities and future generations deserve to utilize the Great Lakes in a sustainable way, to support economic prosperity and quality of life, which is why it is crucial to educate ourselves and one another on the impacts of pollution to these water bodies. You can use the following link to monitor the current status of the Great Lakes throughout Canada, and learn more about how to protect it’s ecosystems: : www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/restoring-greatlakes-areas-concern.html.

5 Steps YOU Can Take

1. Reduce boating and use of other motor operated vehicles in the water that add pollution to the Great Lakes.
2. Reduce use of fossil fuels in general to reduce atmospheric deposition into the Great Lakes.
3. Monitor your use of toxic chemicals in your home and at your workplace that can enter the water ways through drains, accumulation in groundwater, leaching, erosion, and run off.
4. Promote sustainable development in your community to ensure stability of water fronts and lakes.
5. Participate in beach clean ups and sustainable fishing practices to ensure ecosystem health in your area.

My Commitment

          My commitment to protecting the Great Lakes in Canada from pollution and unsustainable practices will consist of educating my family, friends, and community on the importance of reducing the entry of chemical components into waterways.

Your Commitment

          Please provide a specific example of how you will reduce your pollution into the Great Lakes.