The Sweetwater Sea: A Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Lake Huron

Summary

Lake Huron is an ecologically rich and globally significant ecosystem, but its biodiversity is at risk. Invasive species, climate change, water pollution, rapid and poorly planned residential and industrial growth, altered hydrology, and incompatible agricultural, fishery, and forestry practices are all having negative effects. Degradation and loss of historical habitat have been identified as major stressors to Lake Huron and its watershed.

The Lake Huron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (LHBCS) is an international initiative designed to identify what actions are needed to protect and conserve the native biodiversity of Lake Huron. The most critical biodiversity threats and needs of the lake were determined through a collaborative, science-based process. The recommended strategies are meant to restore and conserve a functioning ecosystem. By applying a biodiversity focus to synthesize and prioritize existing related efforts, the LHBCS reaffirms and advances many existing complementary plans and initiatives. This project will increase awareness and collaboration among organizations and communities active in biodiversity conservation with the Lake Huron watershed, and provide a lakewide context to local conservation actions. The project was led by The Nature Conservancy, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. 

Citation

Franks Taylor, R., Derosier, A., Dinse, K., Doran, P., Ewert, D., Hall, K., ... & Schroeder, B. (2010). The Sweetwater Sea: An International Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Lake Huron–Technical Report. A joint publication of The Nature Conservancy, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Michigan Natural Features Inventory Michigan Sea Grant, and The Nature Conservancy of Canada.