GLIN==> International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Office Celebrates 40th Anniversary

IJC's Great Lakes Regional Office Celebrates 40th Anniversary


March 6, 2013 

[Windsor, ON] - Today, the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes
Regional Office (GLRO) celebrated its 40th anniversary.  Created by the
1972 Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (Agreement), the GLRO
has played a key role in helping the two countries work together to
protect and restore the world's largest freshwater ecosystem.  GLRO
scientists and staff provide support to binational advisory groups that
examine critical transboundary pollution issues and make recommendations
to governments.

"For more than a generation, the GLRO has tackled the toughest issues
confronting the Great Lakes," said Dr. Saad Jasim, GLRO Director.  "From
invasive species to chemicals of emerging concern, our office has taken
the lead in alerting governments and providing much-needed scientific
data and analysis to assist them in addressing problems.  We are
grateful for the contributions of scientists from both countries and for
public support and input that has made our work possible."

Over the years, the GLRO has developed a reputation as a "watchdog" over
the Great Lakes, assessing the work of governments in cleaning up toxic
hotspots around the Great Lakes.  Just as important, the GLRO has the
role of educating the public about challenges facing the lakes and
engaging stakeholders in a transparent process to make sure all voices
are heard.  These important roles continue under the newly revised
Agreement which recently came into force.

Currently, GLRO priorities include:

*	The Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP) to Reduce Phosphorus and
Algal Blooms.  LEEP is expected to release a draft report in May,
inviting public input on findings and recommendations to governments to
address the harmful algae problem in Lake Erie.
*	Assessment of Progress toward Restoring the Great Lakes.  The
focus of this priority is bringing together experts from both countries
to develop a set of ecological and human health indicators that can be
used to gauge progress.  Work also includes examining monitoring needs.
*	Strengthening the Capacity to Deliver Great Lakes Science and
Information.  This priority is assessing whether the U.S. and Canada
have the resources needed to conduct the research associated with
Agreement objectives.  Efforts also include linking environmental,
natural resources and human health data to support research and policy
development.

Editor's Note:  Congratulatory messages from both Canadian and U.S.
elected officials and community leaders are available here
<http://www.ijc.org/files/tinymce/uploaded/GLRO%2040th%20Anniversary%20M
essages.pdf> .

 

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