Jeffrey Meyer, Lower Trent Conservation. Presenting on the Automated detection of algae blooms using satellite imagery. (Submitted Photo)
Researchers from around the world gathered at the University of Toronto in Scarborough on June 18-22, 2018 for the International Association for Great Lakes Research’s 61st annual conference. There were four days of scientific sessions and speakers focusing on the theme Great Science for Tomorrow’s Solutions.
On Thursday June 21, the Bay of Quinte was the focus of a morning session called “Ecosystem Health and Recovery of the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario”. Eight presentations covered a variety of topics from: predicting algae blooms, to fish consumption and fish health, water currents and circulation patterns, to nutrient inputs during extreme weather events and data sharing.
The Bay of Quinte is fortunate to have data sets that go back over 45 years making it one of the most studied bodies of water in the Great Lakes system. Every summer, research and monitoring takes place that studies the overall health of the Bay. This work is integral to restoring water quality and ensuring the recovery goals set out in the Bay’s Remedial Action Plan (RAP) are being met. As the Bay get closer to meeting it restoration goals, continued research and monitoring will be essential for the effective future management and protection of water quality in the Bay.
The conference provided the opportunity to highlight some of the cutting edge research happening on the Bay of Quinte to the international community.
The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) is a scientific organization made up of researchers studying the Laurentian Great Lakes, other large lakes of the world, and their watersheds, as well as those with an interest in such research. With its mission to promote all aspects of large lakes research and communicate research findings, IAGLR is uniquely positioned to foster the connection between science and policy, a connection vital for effective management and protection of the world’s large lakes.
The Bay of Quinte is a healthy and vibrant ecosystem, in part thanks to the innovative science and scientists that dedicate their summers to studying the why’s, what’s, and how’s of water quality in the Bay.
The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan is in partnership locally with Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation.
