Lake Erie LaMP
Ecosystem Objectives Subcommittee
Contact Info:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Mr. Jeff Tyson (Co-Chair)
(419) 625-8062
jeff.tyson@dnr.state.oh.us
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources(OMNR)
Mr. Phil Ryan (Co-Chair)
(519) 583-0981
phil.ryan@mnr.gov.on.ca
Committee Charge: To develop ecosystem objectives to help guide Lake Erie LaMP efforts and develop a variety of indicators to measure progress towards meeting objectives.
Current Focus: The key to developing useful ecosystem objectives is to reconcile public values with ecological reality. Consequently, Ecosystems Objectives Subcommittee (EOSC) efforts to date have revolved around defining the reality of the Lake Erie ecosystem in a manner that can be readily understood by a variety of decision-makers.
To date over 4,000 statements or "rules" about the Lake Erie Ecosystem have been compiled by a group of experts. For example, "walleye are common or abundant if the quantity of spawning habitat is high". The Lake Erie ecosystem "rules" are the basis for development of a Lake Erie ecosystem model.
This model has been developed, tested, and used to select a desired future state of the Lake Erie ecosystem and management actions that will help achieve this state. This path forward is consistent with the themes of a healthy Lake Erie ecosystem, sustainable development, and multiple benefits to society. It highlights the importance and urgency of improving land use activities, continued diligence in nutrient management, and the vulnerability of fish and wildlife species to human activities. Work is now underway to clearly define ecosystem management objectives and actions, and to develop indicators that will monitor our progress toward a healthier Lake Erie ecosystem.
| 
