CSMI 2018 - Unravelling Lake Ontario's Nutrient Conundrum

Session: 54. - Food Web Ecology and Dynamics of Lake Ontario: Nearshore ? Pelagic Linkages

Frederick Luckey, U.S. EPA, [email protected]
Todd Nettesheim, U.S. EPA, GLNPO, [email protected]
Ram Yerubandi, Environment Canada, Water Sciences & Technology, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, [email protected]
Jake La Rose, [email protected]

Abstract

A comprehensive binational assessment of Lake Ontario's ecosystem is underway to address the primary questions facing water quality managers, are in-basin nutrient reduction efforts needed to reduce excessive growth of nearshore benthic algae, and if so, what impact would this have on offshore fisheries?  The Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) provides a binational process to address these types of science and research questions identified by Lakewide Action and Management Plans developed for each lake under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.  Lake Ontario's 2018 CSMI effort will collect nearshore and offshore water quality and biological information to support the development of whole lake nutrient transport and algal growth models to provide one tool to re-evaluate Lake Ontario's binational nutrient loadings and water concentration targets.  Research will include understanding the impacts of dreissenid mussels on nearshore habitats, substrate and light regimes that facilitate the growth of benthic algae.  Tributary, point and non-point nutrient loadings and their relationship to excessive algal growth will also be characterized.  In addition to the nutrient question, 2018 efforts will address native prey fish and coastal wetland research needs. CSMI fosters the development of long term government and academic cross-program binational partnerships that strengthen our ability to address the science needs of the Great Lakes.

1. Keyword
Lake Ontario

2. Keyword
monitoring

3. Keyword
planning