By Teresa Tsui, Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Community Engagement Coordinator for Barrie-Innisfil
The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup (GLPC) recognizes the Williams Treaties First Nations, including the Alderville First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgian Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, as well as the Huron Wendat and the Metis Nation of Ontario - Region 7 and acknowledges their historic connection and stewardship for the Lake Simcoe Region.
My role as a GLPC Community Engagement Coordinator in the Barrie/Innisfil area this season has given me an opportunity to connect more deeply with the Lake Simcoe watershed and its residents. The Lake Simcoe watershed is a precious source of freshwater in the Great Lakes region. The lake provides water for drinking, tourism, recreation and irrigation, which together contribute over $450 million annually to the local economy.
The Lake Simcoe region is also home to a diversity of animal and plant species, many of which rely on the health of the lake. In particular, Lake Simcoe is known for its diverse fish populations. There are 56 fish species found in the lake’s tributaries and 39 of them are native species (LSRCA, n.d.)! This diversity of fish species interested me and I wanted to learn more about how these fish populations reflect the overall health of the watershed.
Common Fish Species Found in Lake Simcoe
Fish species in Lake Simcoe are mainly categorized into cold-water and warm-water fishes. The cold-water fish community lives offshore, in deeper areas of the lake. These fish require cold, deep, and well-oxygenated water to survive and thrive. Common cold-water fish species in Lake Simcoe include Lake Trout, Whitefish, Burbot and Lake Herring. The warm-water fish community lives in the shallower, nearshore areas of the lake, where the water is warmer. Examples include Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Bowfin and Bluegill Sunfish.
Plastic Pollution in Lake Simcoe and Its Impacts on Fish
Like many other popular recreational and fishing spots in Ontario, Lake Simcoe is facing a plastic pollution problem. Microplastics are an environmental and economic concern worldwide because they are found everywhere and take many years to break down. According to a 2020 study by Felismino, Helm, and Rochman, microplastics and other anthropogenic microparticles including foam, fragments, fiber bundles, spherical microbeads and films, are present in water and sediment in Lake Simcoe.
The presence of microplastics in our waterways poses a threat to aquatic organisms, with the potential for impacts throughout the food web. Previous research suggests that microplastics have negative impacts on growth, reproduction, and even the survival of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics have been found in the digestive systems of fish, which may cause blockages and/or reduced food consumption. These microplastics can also act as a vector for contaminants and pathogens in waterbodies. Although the overall impacts of microplastics on fish and other aquatic organisms are difficult to predict as results vary across studies, it is evident that plastic must be prevented from entering the Great Lakes Basin.
Ongoing Research and Conservation Efforts
Government and stakeholders, including local environmental organizations, industry, marinas and academic institutions, have been proactively addressing plastic pollution in Lake Simcoe.
Since 2020, the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup has been working with marinas and lake communities across the Great Lakes to pilot innovative plastic capture and cleanup technology to prevent and remove plastic pollution from the water. In collaboration with our academic partners, we are analyzing the plastic we find to determine the sources and pathways for plastic found in the Great Lakes, and raising awareness of the actions needed to stop plastic from reaching local waterways.
How You Can Help
Wondering how you can help combat plastic pollution and protect our fish communities? Every small action counts!
Individuals like you and I can take action to effectively mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. Firstly, reducing the use of non-essential plastic products by opting for reusable alternatives and minimizing single-use plastics is critical for decreasing the volume of plastic waste that enters the environment.
Secondly, proper disposal of plastic waste, including through recycling or at drop-off depots, prevents it from ending up in natural environments. When it comes to recycling, it’s important to remember that the plastic items accepted may differ according to municipality. To avoid confusion and ensure you’re recycling appropriately, double-check your local guidelines, and consider using the Recycle Coach app for personalized assistance: https://recyclecoach.com/.
Last but not least, participating in local clean-up initiatives can make a significant difference! The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup hosts volunteer events at different sites across our network throughout the summer to sort and characterize the waste collected by our devices. At these events, we identify the types of debris, determine possible waste streams, and gain further insights on addressing plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for the Great Lakes!
References
Felismino, M. E. L., Helm, P. A. and Rochman, C. M. (2020). Microplastic and other anthropogenic microparticles in water and sediments of Lake Simcoe. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 47 (1). DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2020.10.007
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). (n.d.). The Stories Fish Tell. LSRCA. Retrieved from https://camaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=44b5e62d82b441378af3310864f0fb2c
Teresa is a recent graduate from Seneca Polytechnic’s Sustainable Business Management program. Teresa has an academic background in sustainability, international forestry, environmental science, and geography. She is passionate about engaging with communities, ensuring they are aware of environmental issues, and motivating a shift towards a greener lifestyle.
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