What's New Windpower panel faces 2-week deadline The Tonawanda News (9/1) The Niagara County Legislature’s special committee on offshore windpower was challenged Tuesday to quickly assess the pros and cons of a local Lake Ontario wind project.
Randle Reef project inches forward The Hamilton Spectator (8/31) The Hamilton Port Authority has submitted the Randle Reef containment design to the federal government for approval, sparking optimism the project to enclose toxic sediment in the harbour will finally go forward.
Algae outbreak infests Sodus Bay Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (8/27) Sodus Bay has suffered outbreaks of potentially dangerous cyanobacteria for the last several weeks, causing the closure Wednesday of two swimming beaches and prompting a huddle by local officials this morning to figure out how to better warn the public.
ENERGY: Will town opposition block offshore turbines? City Newspaper (8/25) The town boards of Greece and Webster, New York, have formalized their opposition to a potential Lake Ontario offshore wind project. But will that be enough to sway state Power Authority officials?
Cormorants' diet choice aids anglers Watertown Daily Times (8/25) Double-crested cormorants are feasting on round gobies, leaving more sport fish, especially small-mouthed bass and yellow perch, for anglers.
Overview
Lake Ontario is similar to Lake Erie in length and breadth (193 miles by 53 miles). Yet with its greater average depth (approximately 283 feet), Lake Ontario holds almost four times the volume (395 cubic miles) and has a retention time of about 6 years. The drainage basin covers parts of Ontario and New York, and a small portion of Pennsylvania. Major urban industrial centers, such as Hamilton and Toronto, are located on its shore. The U.S. shore is less urbanized and is not intensively farmed.
References: Great Lakes Atlas, Environment Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995
General Resources Bathymetry Map Ohio State University and NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) The Great Lakes Forecasting System provides physical data about the lake, including this bathymetry map.
Fish of Lake Ontario University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute Color illustrations or photographs, size, coloring and other information about many Lake Ontario fish species.
Great Lakes Surface Environmental Analysis NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) A map using NOAA satellite data to show recent water temperatures of the Great Lakes.
Historical Data - Lake Ontario U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District The Army Corps provides current and historic data on the Great Lakes, including yearly water levels from 1918, monthly storm probability, outflows and precipitation.
Lake Ontario Nowcast Map Products Ohio State University and NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) The Great Lakes Forecasting System provides maps depicting near real time conditions for several variables.
Silver Waters of Lake Ontario Their goal is to raise awareness of, and appreciation for, Lake Ontario through writing, sailing instruction, nature study, and other means.
Surface Water Temperature University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute Color illustrations or photographs, size, coloring and other information about many Lake Ontario fish species.
Programs Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority The Authority's mandate is to establish and undertake programs to promote the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in partnership with local Municipalities and the Province.
Great Lakes Research Consortium The Great Lakes Research Consortium consists of 16 colleges and universities in New York State and nine affiliated schools in Ontario. GLRC programs help to promote collaborative research on the Great Lakes.
Lakewide Management Plan for Lake Ontario U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) The Lake Ontario LaMP will serve as a plan of action to restore and protect Lake Ontario. It will provide a way to better coordinate the work of the agencies involved and others working to improve the Lake Ontario ecosystem.
New York Sea Grant Focuses the talents of university scientists and extension specialists on research in the areas of fisheries, coastal environmental quality and processes, invasive species, non-point source pollution and seafood safety.
Research Fisheries Research in Lake Ontario U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Great Lakes Science Center Including distribution, abundance and biology of fish populations.
Lake Ontario Biocomplexity Project This National Science Foundation-sponsored initiative focuses on the physical, biological, and human interactions shaping the ecosystems of freshwater bays and lagoons.
Tourism The Great Lakes Circle Tour Ride along on the 6,500-mile Great Lakes Circle Tour: a scenic, international road system connecting the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River! For new visitors to the region, this online travel guide offers informational maps, road routes and estimated mileages, and links to major cities, camping and recreation areas, and natural attractions.
Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail Waterfront Regeneration Trust Stretching 218 miles (350 km) along the shore of Lake Ontario, the Waterfront Trail integrates ecological health, economic vitality and a sense of community.