Foreword

Abstract

The health and welfare of the Laurentian Great Lakes has attracted the interest of scientists for many decades, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century. As evidence of intensified cultural degradation, efforts to understand and remediate deleterious changes in this complex freshwater ecosystem accelerated, especially post-1960s. Encouraged by the International Joint Commission, the governments of the United States and Canada expanded funding, established research laboratories and hired scientists to study the problems and propose remedial actions to mitigate further degradation. The goal of this massive effort was to restore these magnificent lakes to their historic healthy state.The Great Lakes ecosystem was fortunate in that two brilliant scientists were willing to apply their wealth of knowledge and understanding of freshwater lakes to its problems. Dr. Jack Vallentyne brought a strong background in biogeochemical research, academia, and administrative abilities to the Great Lakes basin. Dr. Richard Vollenweider, a European limnologist, brought his already extensive knowledge of the science of cultural eutrophication. Both scientists met the challenge and have left a lasting legacy to the science and management of the resources of the Great Lakes.The scope of the achievements of these two outstanding individuals has been amply expressed in this volume and elsewhere. In one significant area, they influenced the International Joint Commission in its policy recommendations to governments for the improvement and management of the Great Lakes. Both contributed to the phosphorus control regulations in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement signed by the United States and Canada in 1972. Vallentyne's demonstration of phosphorus as the controlling nutrient in algal growth led to phosphorus reduction requirements in household detergents. Vollenweider's models were used to calculate reductions in phosphorus loadings to meet phosphorus control goals for each of the Great Lakes. Later, Vallentyne's concept of the “ecosystem approach” was incorporated as an important component of the amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978.Both were Senior Scientists with the Canadian Government: Vallentyne with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vollenweider with Environment Canada. Their careers diverged somewhat in the 1980s when Vallentyne began his public outreach activities as Johnny Biosphere, which was a tremendously successful “Science and Society” approach. Vollenweider continued improving eutrophication models and methodology for estimating primary production and disseminating his knowledge worldwide. Both scientists received numerous prestigious awards and honours from societies and institutions in many countries of the world for their distinguished and outstanding leadership efforts and contributions to the health of Great Lakes ecosystems.The esteem to which these eminent scientists are held is reflected in this volume of tributes from colleagues, former students, family members and friends. Authors from nine countries contributed papers. The memorial volume, published by the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS), is the inspiration of its Editor, Mohi Munawar, who was a close associate and friend of both Drs. Vallentyne and Vollenweider throughout his long career as a Research Scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Dr. Munawar, who is recognized as one of the foremost scientists in Great Lakes research, was hired as a young phycologist by Vollenweider, who early on recognized his potential. The energy and directed enthusiasm of Dr. Munawar for Great Lakes science and excellence did not disappoint. He and the editorial staff at AEHMS are to be commended for publishing this outstanding compendium of tributes to the memories of Vallentyne and Vollenweider. Dr. Munawar has always shown peer respect and this is not the first memorial volume to appear in the pages of his Journal.