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Water quality and ecosystem health data used to conduct a cumulative effects assessment of Lake Superior nearshore waters in support of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are included in this dataset. Data related to nearshore stressors is integrated into an overall assessment in a three-phased approach: 1) classification of the nearshore into Regional Units using physical processes and lake characteristics; 2) overall assessment of the state (cumulative stress) of each Regional Unit; and 3) integrate additional information related to nearshore areas of high ecological value. Assessment data is presented within a 100 metre depth zone along the coast. For purposes of determining stress on nearshore waters it is necessary to consider the zones of influence and zones of impact.

Water quality and ecosystem health data used to conduct a cumulative effects assessment of Lake Ontario, Niagara River and St. Lawrence River nearshore waters in support of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are included in this dataset. Data related to nearshore stressors is integrated into an overall assessment in a three-phased approach: 1) classification of the nearshore into Regional Units using physical processes and lake characteristics; 2) overall assessment of the state (cumulative stress) of each Regional Unit; and 3) integrate additional information related to nearshore areas of high ecological value. Assessment data is presented within a 30 metre depth zone along the coast. For purposes of determining stress on nearshore waters it is necessary to consider the zones of influence and zones of impact.

Water quality and ecosystem health data used to conduct a cumulative effects assessment of Lake Erie, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair and Detroit River nearshore waters in support of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are included in this dataset. Data related to nearshore stressors is integrated into an overall assessment in a three-phased approach: 1) classification of the nearshore into Regional Units using physical processes and lake characteristics; 2) overall assessment of the state (cumulative stress) of each Regional Unit; and 3) integrate additional information related to nearshore areas of high ecological value. Assessment data is presented within a 15 metre depth zone along the coast. For purposes of determining stress on nearshore waters it is necessary to consider the zones of influence and zones of impact.

Water quality monitoring data collected in priority tributaries to provide nutrient concentration data to estimate nutrient loads to the waters of the Great Lakes. Data is collected to advance the science to understand and address the complex problem of recurrent toxic and nuisance algae in the Great Lakes. The majority of the data is focused on Lake Erie, the smallest, shallowest of the Great Lakes, and most susceptible to nearshore water quality issues. Water quality monitoring is conducted to establish current nutrient loadings from selected Canadian tributaries; to enhance the knowledge of the factors that affect tributary and nearshore water quality, ecosystem health, and algae growth; to establish binational lake ecosystem objectives, phosphorus objectives, and phosphorous load reduction targets, and to support the development of a binational nearshore assessment and management framework.

Water quality monitoring data collected in priority tributaries to provide nutrient concentration data to estimate nutrient loads to the waters of the Great Lakes. Data is collected to advance the science to understand and address the complex problem of recurrent toxic and nuisance algae in the Great Lakes. The majority of the data is focused on Lake Erie, the smallest, shallowest of the Great Lakes, and most susceptible to nearshore water quality issues. Water quality monitoring is conducted to establish current nutrient loadings from selected Canadian tributaries; to enhance the knowledge of the factors that affect tributary and nearshore water quality, ecosystem health, and algae growth; to establish binational lake ecosystem objectives, phosphorus objectives, and phosphorous load reduction targets, and to support the development of a binational nearshore assessment and management framework.

Water quality and ecosystem health data are collected in the nearshore zone of the Great Lakes to address the problem of nuisance benthic algae. Monitoring data include physical and chemical water quality data as well as biological data, primarily from Cladophora and dreissenid mussels on the lakebed. Monitoring is conducted (i) to improve understanding of the factors impacting nearshore water quality, algae growth, and ecosystem health; (ii) to develop ecosystem health indicators for the nearshore; (iii) to provide validation and calibration data for modelling; (iv) to support the development of a binational nearshore assessment and management framework; and, (v) to measure the success of ongoing and future phosphorus reduction targets to support a healthy ecosystem.

Water quality and ecosystem health data collected using a risk-based monitoring approach to support the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are included in this dataset. By conducting regular, systematic measurements of the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the Great Lakes Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is able to: measure the natural changes and conditions of water quality; determine changes over time, at various locations, of water contaminants and/or threats; support development of science-based guidelines for water, fish, and sediment; identify emerging issues and threats; track the results of remedial measures and regulatory decisions; report and assess science results through performance indicators and in an Open Science environment to support an ecosystem approach to environmental and resource management in the Great Lakes. Data are collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada to meet federal commitments related to the Great Lakes as transboundary waters crossing, inter- provincial and international borders under the authorities of the Department of the Environment Act, the Canada Water Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Boundary Waters Treaty including the commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Water quality and ecosystem health surveillance and monitoring data collected to complete assessments of beneficial use impairments of Areas of Concern (AOCs) and to track the effectiveness of remedial measures and confirm restoration of beneficial uses are included in this dataset. AOCs are geographic areas in the Great Lakes that were identified in the mid-1980s where significant impairment of beneficial uses has occurred as a result of human activities at the local level. Remediating AOCs contributes to the sustainability of local communities and of the Great Lakes region, and is a joint commitment under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA).

Water quality and ecosystem health data collected in the Great Lakes and priority tributaries to determine baseline water quality status, long term trends and spatial distributions, the effectiveness of management actions, determine compliance with water quality objectives and identify emerging issues are included in this dataset.

GBI monitors water quality in coastal wetlands to report on nutrient loads resulting from human use of day-use areas. The park uses Water Quality Index to assess this measure - which is also a part of the Great Lakes Shoreline monitoring network.