| Previous | Table of Contents | Next |
Eutrophication of Lake Winnipeg has become increasingly pronounced over the past decade and is the main concern regarding the health of Lake Winnipeg. Periodic research and monitoring on the lake from the 1930s to the 1990s provide some indication as to past conditions in Lake Winnipeg and, when supported by paleolimnological research, has pointed to deteriorating water quality in Lake Winnipeg since the early 1900s. More rigorous and continuous monitoring on the lake in response to the increase in the intensity and frequency of algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg over the past 10 years has provided information on the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of Lake Winnipeg, and has highlighted the highly variable nature of water quality in the lake.
Knowledge of Lake Winnipeg has been further enhanced by focused research that has provided crucial information on topics such as nutrient dynamics and balance, trophic structure and interactions, responses of biological communities to nutrients, range and nature of physical and hydrodynamic conditions in the lake, nutrient sources, stressors to the lake, and response of the lake to these stressors. Recent examinations of changes in the lake over the long term have also provided new insights into the structure and function of the lake. However, further information is needed for a more complete understanding of the lake, the sources and nature of stressors, and the response of the lake to these stressors. Additional information will also help to facilitate the development of nutrient objectives for the lake.
Environment Canada and Manitoba Water Stewardship are committed to continuing collaborative work with others involved in research on Lake Winnipeg, including the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, universities and their students, private consultants, and others, to better understand Lake Winnipeg and to monitor long-term changes in its physical, biological and chemical condition. In September of 2010, Environment Canada and Manitoba Water Stewardship signed a Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and Its Basin. The Memorandum provides a framework for:
The Memorandum of Understanding will help to guide future research and monitoring on Lake Winnipeg and its large watershed, and will also help to identify and implement the solutions required to reduce nutrient loading and halt eutrophication.
| Previous | Table of Contents | Next |