Lake Superior Lakewide Management Nipigon Bay PAC Meeting June 22, 2017 Pukaskwa National Park , Ontario. Photo Credit: D. McChristie Outline • • • • • Lakewide Management: People and the Plan Conditions Stressors Actions Working Together 2 Amazing Lake Superior Unique to the Planet Lake Superior Partnership Working Together A $233 I?i Photo CR?ditzi Chiriboga - Condition Stressors - Identify Actions Lake Superior Lakewide Action and Management Plan 2015 - 2019 The Lake Superior Partnership August 2016 Lake Superior Partnership Protecting Together • Taking action • Tracking progress and challenges 6 State of Lake Superior Generally Good Conditions • Fisheries in good condition Contaminants in Herring Gulls 1970 to 2015 • Most habitat types in good condition • Contaminants are generally decreasing or stable 7 State of Lake Superior Lake Trout Have Recovered • In the 1950s, Lake Trout were nearly gone due to predation by the invasive Sea Lamprey, and other stressors. • Lake Trout populations have recovered and are self-sustaining in most areas. 8 State of Lake Superior Keeping Tabs on Mercury Levels Reductions of Mercury Discharges and Emissions from Lake Superior Sectors Between 1990 and 2010, kg/y. 9 Stressors Lakewide Stressors • Aquatic Invasive Species • Climate Change • Degraded Habitat Connectivity • Chemicals and Other Substances • Other (including impacts from resource development) 10 Science Priorities Science-Based Management • Status of lower food-web • Chemical concentration trends • Lake Sturgeon rehabilitation • Early detection of aquatic invasive species • Identify vulnerable coldwater tributaries • Other USGS Vessel, Kiyi Photo Credit: J. Bailey 11 Actions Many Efforts Help Lake Superior • Protective Regulations • Remedial Action Plans for Areas of Concern 12 Actions LAMP Will Guide the Way Aquatic Invasive Species Climate Change Dams and Barriers Chemical Contaminants Additional substances of concern • Other threats • Protection of High Quality Habitats • Management of Native Species Population • • • • • 13 Actions Implementing Cooperatively Table 10. Lake Superior Partnership Projects to Address Chemical Contaminants # Lake Superior Partnership Projects: 2015-2019 Agencies Involved 1 Continue outreach and education to the public on mercury toxicity; pathways into fish, wildlife and humans; and actions that can be taken to help remove mercury from the basin. Bad River, CORA, Fond du Lac, GLIFWC, Grand Portage, KBIC, MDEQ, MOECC, NOAA, NPS, Red Cliff, USEPA, USFS, USFWS, USGS 2 Conduct a data synthesis of available mercury monitoring data for the Lake Superior basin to improve the inter-jurisdictional understanding and communication of mercury trends in the Lake Superior ecosystem. Bad River, ECCC, Fond du Lac, MPCA, NOAA, NPS, USGS 3 Document which agencies and local governments collect and track the ECCC, MDEQ, WDNR types and amounts of pesticides disposed, as feasible, so as to inform existing pesticide collection programs, such as clean sweeps. Information will be used to assess the potential for expanding collections to additional geographic areas. 4 Continue to support open burning abatement programs, such as Bad River, CORA, Fond du Lac, “Bernie the Burn Barrel,” to achieve reductions in the release of dioxins KBIC, MOECC, MPCA, Red Cliff, and furans into the Lake Superior basin from the practice of residential WDNR, MPCA burning of garbage. 14 CONSERVATION STRATEGY Amara when (om: mm: Regional Uniks Omario van-smut Wu: 2010 USGcologialSumy and US 099mm! 0! Natural limes (ousmnuon Stem! 2011 The Nature tummy ?(mm - Ommo Rectal 31~Mly~2013 Saul! Ste. Marie 15 Engagement Importance of Broad Participation Long-term sustainable use and protection of Lake Superior happens when everyone is involved. Lake Superior Day volunteers. Credit: C. Clements 16 Engagement Opportunities to get involved Lakewide Management • Annual reports • Lake Ecosystem Objectives 2018 • Science Priorities – 2018 • Preparing a new Lakewide Action and Management Plan for 2020 17 i mianal. me: ?aw ?i 3 Photo Credit: D.