Identifying at-risk nearshore waters

Nearshore waters of the Great Lakes are the most used by Canadians, serving as a source of drinking water and recreation for millions, and a critical ecological link between watersheds and the open waters of the Great Lakes. Pollution from municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial discharges, runoff from agricultural land, aquatic invasive species, climate change and other factors affect the quality of these waters.

In 2016, Canada and the United States developed a Nearshore Framework to assess the health of the Great Lakes and to identify areas of high ecological value and those under major stress. The framework helps guide all levels of government and their partners in setting priorities for conservation and protection. It also provides important details for regional and local development plans. 

Through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, we have completed the first ever cumulative assessment of Canadian Great Lakes nearshore waters to identify those under highest environmental stress. This is a commitment under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and in Canada, work is guided by the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. This assessment will help identify threats and nearshore areas that would benefit from protection, restoration or prevention efforts.

Related links

• Nearshore Framework
• Canadian Great Lakes Nearshore Assessment, Detailed Methodology
• Lake Huron Canadian Nearshore Assessment, 2021 Highlights and Results Report
• Lake Superior Canadian Nearshore Assessment, 2020 Highlights and Results Report
• Lake Ontario Canadian Nearshore Assessment, 2019 Highlights and Results Report
• Lake Erie Canadian Nearshore Assessment, 2018 Highlights and Results Report
• Science at the lakeshore: measuring cumulative stress in the Canadian Great Lakes nearshore waters
• Great Lakes Protection Initiative
• Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement