A Temporary Reprieve For Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area:
FROM: Prof. Jules Blais, President of the Society of Canadian Limnologists
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OTTAWA, ON – Canada’s aquatic science community is committed to the continuity of the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in Northwestern Ontario, despite the federal government’s decision to end its support of the world renowned facility. On September 2nd, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced a transitional agreement between the Government of Ontario, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to sustain the ELA until March 31st, 2014.
“Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area is the only research facility in the world where lakes have been set aside to conduct long-term experiments to see how entire ecosystems respond to pollutants and climate change”, said Dr. Jules Blais, President of the Society of Canadian Limnologists, and Professor of Environmental Toxicology the University of Ottawa. “The Canadian freshwater science community welcomes the leadership shown recently by the IISD and Premier Wynne in supporting the ELA during this difficult transition period.”
“”It’s unfortunate that the Canadian government was not able to recognize the incredible value of the Experimental Lakes Area”, commented aquatic ecologist Diane Orihel, PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta.”I commend the Government of Ontario for having the foresight to invest in the best science to guide polices for protecting and managing our lakes and fish populations.”
Although the new agreement will ensure operations at ELA are maintained until March 31st, 2014, the long-term future of the facility is far from certain.
“Even if the ELA manages to survive and prosper, this is a facility that should be managed by the government for the benefit of all Canadians who value healthy aquatic ecosystems and clean water” said Dr. Roberto Quinlan, Professor at York University. “It is with great shame and embarrassment that we will look back and realize we nearly lost a national scientific treasure.”
The structure of the new Experimental Lakes Area has yet to be defined, but Canada’s aquatic science community aims to ensure the facility will continue its tradition of doing research in the public interest. “An independent Technical Advisory Committee consisting of scientists from academia, government, and industry should be established to set research priorities and define the research agenda at ELA”, said Blais.
