Great Lakes 'at tipping point' says fishery commission adviser
Deb Shewfelt wants to be clear when it comes to the Great Lakes. “There is no border.”
Shewfelt, Goderich’s former mayor, is one of Canada’s advisers to the bilateral Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Because the Great Lakes are the responsibility of both the U.S. and Canada, he and his fellow advisers have passed a resolution recommending moving management of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission away from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and back to Global Affairs Canada.
“I think we’re at a tipping point. We can either go back or go ahead. I think the feeling amongst the advisers, on both sides of the border, is we need to do certain things to improve and spend more time and money on the issues on the Great Lakes because it is a fantastic resource,” says Shewfelt.
While the commission’s focus is on fisheries, Great Lakes water quality is king. Shewfelt says the shoreline is changing drastically, impacting what’s happening under the water.
“Basically the critters (insects) at shore are dying. Where normally they’d get out and act as fodder for the fish. So they see there are problems,” says Shewfelt.
Another big issue is the imminent removal of hundreds of recreational dams in rivers in both the U.S. and Canada, that feed into the Great Lakes, and their impact on invasive sea lampreys that kill thousands of native fish.
“The sea lamprey now has a free ride to go up the river, lay their eggs, and multiply by the millions. It’s imperative we find structures to contain the sea lampreys before they get into the Great Lakes,” he says.
“They are opportunistic,” says Marc Gaden of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “If you let control down for a short amount of time they will spring back, out of control, and wreak havoc on the ecosystem."
Shewfelt is hopeful the advisers' recommendations will be implemented by the commission, and the federal government, as soon as possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.