View the presentation from the public meetings

The Commission has hosted eight public meetings to inform and engage stakeholders and the general public about its Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP). Under this priority, the Commission will develop a report analyzing the scientific, economic and social issues related to the causes and controls of harmful algal blooms. For example, a binational group of scientists is examining the source of phosphorus loads to the lake and how climate change might affect the amount and timing of those inputs. They are also assessing the adequacy of monitoring programs and the effectiveness of agricultural and urban best management practices and other alternative solutions to reducing nutrient loads. Other researchers are looking at the economic impact of excess algal growth compared to the costs and benefits of potential solutions.

Draft research papers on these topics are expected to be completed by the end of 2012 and those papers will inform an expert forum to be held in February 2013. A draft report with recommendations on the essential elements of a plan for governments to address harmful algal blooms will be released to the public for comment in the summer of 2013 and a final report by October 2013. Subsequently, the IJC will focus on implementation and governance issues. Stakeholder engagement is a key factor throughout the process.