Developing ecosystem objectives for the Great Lakes: policy, progress and public participation

Abstract

Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 between the United States and Canada, as amended in 1987, an ecosystem objective with associated indicators for Lake Superior was adopted, and a commitment was made to develop ecosystem objectives and indicators for each of the other Great Lakes. Building upon a history of activities within the International Joint Commission related to the development of ecosystem indicators for Lake Superior and for mesotrophic waters, a binational Ecosystem Objectives Work Group (EOWG) has been established by the U.S. and Canada and charged with developing ecosystem objectives for the Great Lakes, beginning with Lake Ontario. These objectives are primarily biological in nature, in contrast to chemical objectives. The approach of the EOWG is to identify in sequence: (1) broad ecosystem goals, (2) a suite of objectives whose attainment would ensure achievement of the goals, and (3) one or more measurable indicators of progress toward meeting each objective. Societal values are reflected in the goals and objectives following consultation with competing users of ecosystem resources. Identification of appropriate indicators requires the assistance of technical experts. The experience of the EOWG in developing ecosystem objectives for Lake Ontario illustrates the application of this process.