11th Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality


Home  |  Contents  |  Chapter 1  |  Chapter 2  |  Chapter 3  |  Further Matters  |  Signatures  |   References  |  Français

Chapter 1

Introduction

Desired Outcomes

Desired Outcomes: Drinkability

Desired Outcomes: Fishability

Desired Outcomes: Swimmability

The SOLEC Process

Conclusion

Recommendations

 

Recommendations

1. Develop reliable data and accessible information to support indicators for the three desired outcomes of Drinkability, Swimmability and Fishability (fish that are safe to eat). This action should have priority status in the indicator process.

2. Expand indicator development and reporting on additional desired outcomes only where resources are sufficient to access scientifically valid and reliable data.

3. Improve public information and decision-making by:

  • increasing funding, technology and staff for monitoring, surveillance and information management to support the SOLEC indicator reporting
  • making the findings from indicators and their supporting databases generally available to decision-makers and the public, and
  • coordinating the databases in both Canada and the U.S. and linking significant Great Lakes databases.
 

The 1987 Protocol to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement formalized the concept of Remedial Action Plans for restoring beneficial uses in Areas of Concern. More than a decade of compelling research documents subtle but serious injuries to the health of basin residents from exposure to persistent toxic substances. Yet Great Lakes ecosystem restoration continues to be delayed and public health continues to be injured.