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Lake Ontario Ecosystem Research Initiative
(LO-ERI)
Work Planning Workshop

30-31 March 2009

Burlington, ON

Co-chairs: Bob Randall and Marten Koops

Background

The goal of the Lake Ontario ERI is to build on research and partnerships in Lake Ontario to

  1. evaluate how the nearshore areas contribute to the function of the whole lake,
  2. assess the sensitivity of the nearshore to cumulative impacts from multiple stressors, and
  3. predict how the nearshore will respond to projected future conditions.

This will be accomplished through field studies to fill information gaps about the function of the nearshore and its linkages to the offshore, evaluation of ecosystem indicators that assess cumulative impacts of multiple stressors, and modelling to synthesize data and explore scenarios to assess the sensitivity and responses of the nearshore.

The Lake Ontario ERI will help inform decision making on issues related to the management of fish habitat and human development in the Great Lakes, AIS control, and climate change adaptation. The conservation objectives for the Great Lakes are integrated across multiple jurisdictions. The conservation objectives and mandate of DFO are 1) to ensure no-net-loss of habitat productive capacity; 2) to ensure the survival and recovery of species-at-risk; and 3) to support sustainable fisheries and protect biodiversity to fulfill our federal regulatory responsibility for inter-departmental (Transport Canada, Environment Canada), provincial (Canada-Ontario) and international (International Joint Commission and Great Lakes Fishery Commission) agreements. The Lake Ontario ERI, by improving our understanding of the role of the nearshore and its response to climate change scenarios can, for example, provide important information for the management of water levels and human development along the shorelines of the Great Lakes.

Objectives

As part of the work planning for the LO-ERI, this workshop will aim to
  1. develop a list of issues affecting the nearshore zone of Lake Ontario;
  2. identify major stressors affecting the coastal zone;
  3. identify current research activities occurring in the nearshore of Lake Ontario;
  4. identify potential research activities that will help to address the three goals of the LO-ERI;
  5. develop partnerships for collaborative research and funding.

Output

A report documenting the workshop proceedings.

Expected Participation

Participants include DFO Central & Arctic Science, and Habitat, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of the Environment, and Academia.

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