Links and Resources
“New Report details rapid decline of Lake Erie waters” Artvoice 1 March 2014 Jay Burney “The Great Lakes Are Teeming With Tiny Plastic Fibers, Scientists Say” AP 10 January 2015 John Flesher “Drought lead to massive “dead zone” in Lake Erie” Science Daily 6 January 2015 Carnegie Institution Report |
Great Lakes Center for Sustainability
The people and organizations that are involved with this project recognize that the two greatest resources that our area has are our abundance of clean fresh water and our people. Unfortunately our water resources in the Great Lakes are in serious decline as are fresh water resources around the globe. Our regional economic condition, while improving slightly in recent months, could benefit profoundly from the development of the Great Lakes Center for Sustainability. With a focus on conservation oriented economic development including the science, education, and tourism based recreational opportunities that are represented by the Erie Niagara Marine Sanctuary, our area could become a magnet of investment and improved quality of life based on recognition of our leadership in Great Lakes conservation. GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENT ISSUES
The quality of the sweetwaters of the Great Lakes is seriously threatened. Currently there are no comprehensive or unified strategies to deal with the complicated environmental issues focusing on the decline in water quality of the Great Lakes. There is a fair amount of work being undertaken, but not nearly enough to protect the valuable fresh water resource for future generations. The region associated by the Erie Niagara Marine Sanctuary could become a focus point of address regional and local issues. The International Joint Commission (IJC) is the international body that governs Great Lakes issues. The IJC is an independent binational organization created by Canada and the United States under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Under the Treaty, the two countries cooperate to prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of the many lakes and rivers along their shared border. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement assigns the IJC a role in assessing progress, engaging the public, and providing scientific advice to help the two countries restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes. Last spring (2014) a comprehensive published report A Balanced Diet for Lake Erie declared that the condition of Lake Erie is in precipitous decline due to a variety of factors including agricultural practices, urban sewers, and climate change. This report was issued as a part of the work of the IJC’s Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP). From the IJC Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP) website: “Based on the research of dozens of scientists from both sides of the border, the IJC found that water quality has declined over the past decade, with impacts on ecosystem health, drinking water supplies, fisheries, recreation, tourism and property values.” Clearly the condition of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes means that without action, the condition of Lake Erie and all of the Great Lakes will continue to decline. This will effect the well-being and quality of life of millions of people and hundreds of millions of humans that will inherit the legacy. Why is Erie Niagara a good candidate for a NOAA Marine Sanctuary?
-This region has had and still maintains historic biodiversity including a wide variety of plants and animals including birds and fish that has been the force behind declaring the Niagara River Corridor Globally Significant Important Bird Area, among other internationally recognized designations. All of this biodiversity is threatened and there is a lack of comprehensive strategies designed to address the many issues. -In addition, the location of the Niagara has made the corridor a magnet for human activity since the retreat of the last glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. The historic and cultural legacy of the region includes early indigenous settlements and the exploration and settlement of the region by Europeans. As economies and empires grew, the root of growth was centered on this region. This includes military campaigns related to the American Revolution; the War of 1812; and the Civil War; the creation of the terminus of the Erie Canal; the invention of the Grain Elevator; the first clear-cut forests; the unbridled expansion of the City of Buffalo into one of the largest ports in the world; the opening of the Peace Bridge; and the impact of energy and industry. Much of the human history of North America had its roots in this proposed Marine Sanctuary. Today the region is reborn with new ideas and determination to regain its leadership in the Great Lakes region. -Niagara Falls One of the world’s largest tourist destinations is located in the center of the proposed Marine Sanctuary. |