Abstract

The North American Great Lakes is one of the largest freshwater ecosystems on the planet. Home to over 30 million people, it holds roughly 20% of the world's surface fresh water. But it is also a constantly changing region. Filled by water from melting glaciers 15,000 years ago, the lakes have swelled and shrunk in size. Plants and animals have moved in and out over the thousands of years, forming an ecosystem unique on this planet. These changes continue today, with the Great Lakes under stress from habitat loss/degradation, pollution, invasive species, fishing pressure, climate change, and other human impacts. Despite this legacy of environmental threats, the region's biodiversity persists, but in an altered state. Today there is a multitude of research projects with the aim of better understanding how the Great Lakes function. The results of these studies can be used to implement policy with the intent of conserving the natural heritage of the Great Lakes.

* Presenting author