The science-policy interface in Great Lakes biodiversity research: a researcher’s perspective

Session: 21. - The Science-Policy Interface in Great Lakes Research

Nicholas Mandrak, Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, [email protected]

Abstract

Conserving the biodiversity of the Great Lakes ecosystem is challenging. There are the science challenges of identifying the patterns and drivers of biodiversity and the policy challenges in conserving Great Lakes biodiversity across two federal and nine regional jurisdictions spanning an international border. Approaches to, and resources for, undertaking science and implementing policies vary widely across those jurisdictions. As the Great Lakes ecosystem knows no political boundary, science-based policy actions undertaken are only as good as the weakest link, i.e. the jurisdiction with the weakest policies. Endangered and invasive species are good examples of this weakest-link problem. Canada legally recognizes over 20 endangered fish species in the Great Lakes whereas none are legally recognized by the United States, leaving species with transboundary populations unprotected. Invasive species policies and regulations vary widely among the jurisdictions, leaving the Great Lakes vulnerable to the spread of invasive species from one jurisdiction to another. The binational Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, renewed in 2012, has two new annexes that specifically call for the binational coordination of science and policy on biodiversity and invasive species, but the implementation of these annexes has been slow.

1. Keyword
invasive species

4. Additional Keyword
endangered species

5. Additional Keyword
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement