Threats to the water

Despite its immensity, the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Huron area is also under increasing pressure from human activities.

Only 1% of the water in the Lake Huron – Georgian Bay basin is replenished by rainfall. The other 99% is of glacial origin.

While there is much debate about the causes for the lowering of lake levels in the past two decades, the effects are undeniable. Whether the human impact be dredging, climate change, municipal pipelines, increased recreation or (most likely) a combination of all of these, human activities are at least partly responsible for the current water levels. Low levels affect the quality of both wetland and shoreline habitats.

Georgian Bay also faces unknown implications from the introduction of foreign species such as zebra mussels and Asian carp.

Georgian Bay is only 150 km from one of the largest and most densely populated regions in North America and is now connected by a four lane highway that makes it easier and easier for people to take advantage of all Georgian Bay has to offer. Unfortunately, increased activity has an effect on water quality and the entire aquatic ecosystem.

It is unlikely that activity is going to be abate. Protection and preservation needs to be immediate, ongoing and vigilant.