How Are Humans Changing Lake and River Ecosystems?

Cornwall, ON – On Wednesday, May 4th at 7 pm Dr. Jesse Vermaire from Carleton University’s Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Change Lab will be the special guest of Science and Nature on Tap at Schnitzel’s. Dr. Jesse will share information from his research that indicates how and why algae and aquatic plants are changing in eastern Ontario (and Canadian) lakes and rivers.

Ontario’s lake and river ecosystems are changing as the result of human activities. Dr. Vermaire says, “Canada has millions of lakes and rivers and for many Canadians summer would not be the same without trips to the cottage, swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Despite our love of lakes and rivers, human actions are increasingly stressing many of our freshwater ecosystems.”

Last year was considered a distressing year for algae in the Great Lakes. Algae blooms on Lake Erie were so thick that the green in Satellite photos could be mistaken for well-fed lawns encroaching into the lake. Not only were these blooms unsightly, many of these algae blooms were of the sort that prove to be toxic to both animals and humans. In fact, the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change are asking anyone seeing Algae Blooms to report them into the province’s Spills Response Hotline. Not isolated to Southwestern Ontario, this problem is also seen in Eastern regions of the province as well. Local paddlers and anglers are already reporting early signs of algae in our streams and rivers this spring.

Why is this happening? Lakes and rivers in eastern Ontario are facing warmer temperatures, invasive species, as well as excessive agricultural and storm water runoff containing phosphorous and nitrogen. All of these environmental stressors can add up, and change the amount and types of algae and aquatic plants living in lakes and rivers.

All are invited to come out to learn more from Dr. Vermaire at this free session, hosted by the St. Lawrence Institute of Environmental Sciences, at Schnitzels European Flavours in Cornwall. However, space is limited so if you would like more information or to reserve a seat please call (613) 936-6620 or e-mail kcooper@riverinstitute.ca or visit the River Institute website at www.riverinstitute.ca.

Download full PDF event poster here.

Media Contact:

Karen Douglass Cooper
Communications / Community Outreach Officer
Remedial Action Plan Coordinator
St. Lawrence River (Cornwall)
St. Lawrence River Institute of
Environmental Sciences
2 St. Lawrence Drive
Cornwall, ON K6H 4Z1
kcooper@riverinstitute.ca
www.riverinstitute.ca
(613) 936-6620 (ext.229)