Great lakes: A Look to the Future

Trace toxic contaminants will be the major research focus in the years ahead, since our inland seas appear to be especially sensitive to contaminants. During the 1970s, however, attention centered on pollution from municipal sewage treatment plants. By year 2000 controls are predicted to reduce phosphorus inputs to the Great Lakes from municipal sources by more than half current levels. Although this reduction will likely result in an overall improvement in water quality, it may also result in small reductions in fish yields. During the 1980s and 1990s it will be important to evaluate the effects of phosphorus control and other programs to determine whether pollution control programs have been cost-effective. Finally, because of water shortages around the world, water quantity will emerge as a major Great Lakes issue.