| Great Lakes are not healthy |
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| Written by JENISE FOUTS Sentinel Staff Writer | ||||
| Monday, 24 January 2011 09:27 | ||||
The theme of Saturday's 24th annual Reddin Symposium emphasized that problem, "The Great Lakes: A resource at risk." Three scientists, one from Bowling Green State University, the host site and primary organizer of the event, along with two from Canada, each spoke about the various environmental issues which affect the Lakes, particularly Lake Erie. Dr. John Gannon of Ontario, senior scientist on the International Joint Commission, a fisheries biologist and an expert in the study of fresh water bodies, spoke on "Nagging and Emerging Environmental Issues in the Great Lakes Basin." He noted the Great Lakes have faced stressors since the 1800s when early settlers cut down the forest habitats around their shores. The 1900s brought the sea lamprey crisis, zebra mussel infestation, massive blooms of algae during which Lake Erie was declared "dead" and toxic contaminants in the waters. While Gannon spoke about positive changes in the Lakes, including the return of the bald eagle and the burrowing mayfly which fish eat, he said some of the problems are "nagging," in that they have been dealt with previously but still exist, while others are emerging as new. "The problems overlap," Gannon stated. "They are accumulating and building up." One major threat is the 180 invasive species that have been recorded in the Great Lakes, including not only the sea lamprey but alewife fish and Gobi. Gannon said the solution isn't eliminating them, it's "just trying to control them." Algal blooms have returned as a major problem; a result of nutrient-rich fresh water growing large masses of bad algae which result in depleting the water of oxygen and killing fish. Toxins in the Lakes continue to cause tumors and reproductive problems in fish. Gannon said PCBs "are still cycling in the Lakes," along with poisons caused by synthetic musks, various flame retardants in products, including Scotchgard, veterinary drugs and personal care products.
The scientist said he wants long-term research to include more monitoring and to educate the public to put pressure on politicians. He expressed frustration that the door was opened to invasive species for economic reasons, such as allowing barge traffic which might bring in the Asian carp. The event was sponsored by the Reddin family and friends, Consulate General of Canada, the BGSU College of Arts & Sciences and the Vice President for Student Affairs. More than 80 people registered for the event, and many were first-time attendees. Bowling Green Municipal Court Judge Mark Reddin shared how the symposium started at BGSU with input from his parents, the late Dan and Evelyn Reddin, who wanted local programming offered about America's largest trading partner. He noted that while the university recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, the Reddin Symposium has been a part of that history for 24 years. Dennis Moore with the Consulate General of Canada said the symposium "confirms a permanent link between Canada and the United States. It reaffirms issues between Canada and Ohio." While many people were involved in the planning of the symposium, made more challenging with the closing in 2009 of BGSU's Canadian Studies Center, Dr. Rebecca Mancuso, assistant professor of history, was singled out as earning "five stars" for her involvement. |
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| Last Updated on Monday, 24 January 2011 10:05 |
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