International
Joint Commission's 2003-2005 Priority Research Report - Now Available
In consultation with its Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Great Lakes Science
Advisory Board, International Air Quality Advisory Board, and Council of Great
Lakes Research Managers, and also soliciting the views and opinions of basin
residents, the Commission establishes priorities for study on a biennial cycle.
The studies enhance understanding and offer potential resolution to critical
issues faced by the Parties and by citizens of the Great
Lakes basin. The Commission’s investigations are not a
substitute for the work of the Parties, but rather take advantage of its unique
independent and binational role under the Agreement.
During 2003-2005, the Commission investigated seven priorities:
• Advice regarding review of the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement;
• Urbanization;
• Human health;
• Annex 2—Remedial Action Plans and Lakewide
Management Plans—of the Great Lakes
Water Quality
Agreement;
• Atmospheric transport of mercury;
• Great Lakes research strategy; and
• Aquatic invasive species.
This Priorities Report for 2003-2005 contains insight and advice developed by
the Boards and the Council regarding research, science, and policy that are
fundamental for advancing stewardship of the Great Lakes
basin ecosystem. This report, we believe, presents compelling arguments for
positive actions that will contribute to restoring and protecting the Great Lakes basin ecosystem for the enjoyment and use of
present and future generations. In so doing, we are acting in the best
interests of our client, the Great Lakes.
The Commission will consider the information and recommendations in this
2003-2005 Priorities Report as it develops its advice to governments and
reports to the public through its forthcoming Thirteenth Biennial Report on
Great Lakes Water Quality, and other special reports.
The International Joint Commission’s Priorities 2003-2005:
Priorities and Progress under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is now
available for viewing and download. It is also available in French. The
Adobe Reader can be downloaded here.