On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of LHCCC, thank you for inviting us back to this important environmental forum.
Explosive growth of Zebra Mussels spreading to all Great Lakes in less than two decades Voracious filter feeders, eating mainly phytoplankton – base of the lakes’ food chain.
While Zebras affected nearshore waters, Quaggas filter deep into the lakes and have caused a dramatic drop in phytoplankton. Lake Huron’s phytoplankton (base of food chain) has declined by 90%.
Since the beginning of the St. Lawrence Seaway (1950s), numbers of introduced species continues to climb. Lack of strict rules on ballast water exchange has been a key problem.
Coastlines are one of the most diverse ecological features in Ontario. Many species are Provincially or globally rare, some are threatened or endangered (due to development and other human activity). Threats from invasive species could negatively alter our beaches and other coastal systems.
Scientists predict that the spread of invasive species will be aided by conditions under climate change..
Working closely with local communities, we work for the betterment of the whole lake.
Our work focuses on research, education and community outreach. We undertake research where there are gaps in knowledge and a greater need to understand the scope of issues.
We face many challenges in the coming years. Our last 10 years has proven to us how local grassroots can make real, positive changes.
The Coastal Centre has worked closely with municipalities and community groups from Sarnia to Tobermory, Manitoulin Island and south Georgian Bay, and positive changes are starting to happen. We’ll continue our mission to “Provide leadership and expertise, in collaboration with partners, to achieve a healthy Lake Huron ecosystem,” but we need an engaged and informed coastal community to help make it happen.
![Problem: ,[object Object],[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)