Finding solutions before they become problems.
That’s the mantra these days at the Experimental Lakes Area between Kenora and Vermilion Bay.
Matt McCandless is the executive director and says right now they are looking at research projects they’d like to do in the future, based on issues they are starting to see emerge now.
He points to algae as an ongoing challenge.
“It’s the reason that the ELA opened in the late 60s, but it’s still a major problem on the Great Lakes,” McCandless notes, adding most lakes in the world are facing increased algae levels. “There’s a lot more science that needs to be done to solve this problem.”
McCandless says invasive species continue to be an issue in many lakes across North America, so it’s also an issue they would like to take a closer look at.