| This Harris Hawk was spotted during the 2007 Hawk Festival, Lake Erie Metro Park, Brownstown, Michigan. Photo courtesy James M. Phelps |
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Mary BohlingNew Report Highlights Significant Ecological Recovery As Well As Key Challenges for the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie Michigan Sea Grant is pleased to announce the release of the State of the Strait: Status and Trends of Key Indicators Report. Findings of the report show that over the past 35 years, U.S. and Canadian pollution prevention and control programs have resulted in substantial improvements in environmental quality in the Detroit River and western Lake Erie that have led to dramatic ecological recovery. However, there are also signs of deteriorating conditions. Examples of environmental improvements include: reductions in oil, phosphorus, chloride, and untreated waste from combined sewer overflow discharges; declines in contaminants in fish and wildlife; and substantial progress in the remediation of contaminated sediment. These environmental improvements have resulted in significant ecological recovery in this region, including an increase in the populations of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, walleye, and burrowing mayflies in large areas from which they had been extirpated (locally extinct) or negatively impacted. “We have some great success stories with significant data to support how far we have come,” commented Don Scavia, Director of Michigan Sea Grant. “However, during the panel discussion, many agreed that there is a need for sustained monitoring and integrated assessment to make informed management decisions to address key challenges, such as population growth and non-point source pollution.” Also see: |