Eutrophication problems, Great Lakes

This paper discusses some of the impacts of development on the Great Lakes. Efforts that have been made to resolve individual problems are also discussed including the unique Canada/U.S. institutional framework for addressing these issues. Emphasis is placed on eutrophication and toxic substances, issues which have been the major focus of concern over the last three decades. 

In many ways, both Canada and the United States continue to be involved in a unique experiment of co-operative management of serious environmental issues which plague a shared international resource. Despite the institutional complexity and the history of abuse that man s activities have wrought on the Great Lakes, the experiment to restore and protect them has had several successes typhoid and cholera were eradicated eutrophication problems are now largely under control and where adequate control programs for toxic chemicals have been implemented and enforced (e.g., mercury, DDT, PCBs), there have been associated declines in concentrations in the lakes. These successes have been due in no small way to the spirit of co-operation that has continued to exist between Canada and the United States and the unique institutional arrangements entered into by the two countries. 

---