The North American Great Lakes holds about twenty percent of the world's fresh water and is a diverse ecosystem of plants, fish and wildlife. Over one hundred years ago, the region was dramatically altered as the shipping, lumber and fishing industries began to expand and population increased.

The Great Lakes proved to be important to the local economy, but no one thought about the consequences of such rapid development. Today, the Great Lakes are also home to invasive species, toxic pollutants and contaminated beaches. Habitats have been destroyed while wildlife are dying from botulism and other contaminates.

With such negative changes in the Great Lakes, President Barack Obama proposed a $475 million investment to restore the balance and improve the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will provide funding to improve these problems:

*Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) - Sea lampreys and zebra mussels are two forms of AIS that are not found in the original Great Lakes ecosystem. Sea lamprey attach to fish such as trout and walleye to feed and eventually kill these native fish. Zebra mussels are small invaders known to clog water pipes and are easily spread by attaching to traveling boats and ships.

*Toxic pollutants - The Great Lakes have been polluted by pesticides, sewage and waste from drugs and electronics. People who eat fish from these waters are exposed to toxins such as mercury and DDT. Children and pregnant women are advised against consuming the fish to avoid adverse health effects.

*Contaminated shorelines - There are several swim advisories each year due to bacteria such as E.coli along the Great Lakes coastline. Other beach contaminates include dead fish, garbage and harmful algal blooms.

*Habitat and wildlife destruction - There are many endangered or threatened species of plants and wildlife in the region because of habitat loss and pesticide usage. The Great Lakes Information Network states that "more than two-thirds of the natural Great Lakes wetlands have already been filled in or drained for agriculture, urban uses, shoreline development, recreation and resource extraction."

As the global climate warms up, the temperature of the Great Lakes also rises and can increase the problems that already effect the region. Warmer water will produce more "dead zones" in lakes. There will be a higher demand for water as summer temperatures increase. When less water is available, crops and plants are more vulnerable. At times, there could be too much water which will increase soil erosion, toxic bacteria and unwanted pests that bring diseases. With both extremes, all major industries of the Great Lakes will be adversely affected.

Despite a myriad of problems, there is hope for the Great Lakes. Along with Obama's Restoration Initiative, there are efforts from various organizations being put forth that will positively impact the region. People can also protect the Great Lakes by supporting local organizations working to improve the region. They can throw away trash when visiting the lakes, plant native species, not use pesticides, choose organic produce and conserve water.

Learn more about this author, Danielle Hunter.
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