Great Lakes Ecosystems Graded In New Report

The Great Lakes ecosystems have been graded in a new international report.

The analysis is conducted once every three years as part of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada.

Lake Superior received the highest available grade and along with Lake Huron is considered “steady.”

The analysis from the International Joint Commission noted Superior’s forest watershed and coastal wetlands help maintain high water quality.

Lake Michigan’s ecosystem is considered “fair and unchanging” according to the report. Lake Michigan gets credit for its wide array of plant and animal species, but “invasive species and other stressors continue to affect both water quality and the lake’s food web.”

Lake Ontario is considered “fair,” while Lake Erie’s ecosystem is considered “poor according to the report.”