Cutting-edge research into freshwater ecosystems by researchers at universities, including the University of Windsor, is getting $15.9-million from the Ontario and federal governments.
Dr Aaron Fisk along with researchers from Carleton, Trent, and Western Universities will create a network of sensors, autonomous sub-surface vehicles, and instruments to better understand and support Great Lakes management.
They are members of the Real-time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network.
The money is from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario's Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth.
"The lack of action on freshwater ecosystems by Canada is obvious when examining disproportionate spending by American versus Canadian federal governments on Great Lake issues," says Fisk. He says their work will be a reference for scientists around the world.
Some of the funding will go to building a 223-sq m addition to the Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre in LaSalle where the scientists will analyze samples collected by the network.