Is Lake Superior In Us Or Canada
At over 600 miles in length and its surface area over 32,000 miles, Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is nicknamed the great freshwater sea for its immense size. Spanning the American and Canadian border, people have often been confused if Lake Superior is located in the United States of America or Canada. The answer is that the lake is shared by both countries.
Both borders lie in the middle of the lake. A 59-mile stretch of the lake’s north shore, from Manitoulin Island to Grand Portage, lies in the state of Minnesota in the United States (U.S.) while the remainder of the lake lies in Ontario, Canada. Since both partners have claims on Lake Superior, an agreement has been reached to peacefully share the lake and cooperate in its protection.
No matter the country of origin, Lake Superior receives a great deal of attention from both countries. With its vast shoreline, various islands and mineral resources, it’s easy to understand why there is a constant competition for domination over the lake. Both countries benefit from the wealth of resources this lake offers.
The history of the lake is unique as it has seen both sides cooperate for centuries. In 1783, the British and the Americans established the first treaty governing the geography of the Great Lakes. They agreed that the waters of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, would be shared by both countries and would remain open to resources from either nation. This agreement still stands strong today.
The lake has also been recognized under international law by the International Joint Commission (IJC). Both countries have agreed to the commission’s regulation and standardization of the lake’s environmental policies. These include the control of water levels, navigation projects and the prevention of water pollution. Both parties have agreed to protect the lake for present and future generations.
In order to protect the lake from any misuse or destruction, both countries have strict laws and regulations. These are regularly enforced and periodically updated to ensure the lake’s protection and cleanliness. As a result, the lake has retained its natural beauty and is well-protected.
The lake and its surrounding areas have also been protected through organizations such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1972. The agreement was created to clean up potential pollution sources and protect the environment surrounding the lake, such as streams and wetlands. Over time, these policies and organizations have kept pollution levels low and maintained the lake’s pristine beauty.
Environmental Impact of Lake Superior
Lake Superior’s ecosystem is incredibly diverse, with over 100 types of fish, numerous types of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Its abundance of life is one of the reasons the lake is so cherished. Any kind of destruction or pollution to the lake can have a ripple effect on the ecosystems it supports.
The fish population of the lake is regulated by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission. The commission has taken many steps to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the various species of fish that inhabit the lake. Any kind of destruction or pollution can drastically affect the fisheries, therefore regular monitoring of the aquatic life is conducted.
The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA) was established in 2015 by both the United States and Canada. The LSNMCA is the largest freshwater protagoin on the planet and consists of over 3,000 miles of shoreline. It has international protections, which means that all fishing, shipping, mineral extraction and other industrial activities are heavily regulated. The agreement to create and protect this area also established the EcoRegional Council that would be responsible for overseeing any potential damage or destruction to the lake.
The lake has become a popular destination for boaters, hikers, campers and anglers, and is host to numerous recreational activities. With the lake being used for such activities, it is important to protect the lake from any human-caused destruction or pollution. Both the U.S. and Canadian governments have taken a variety of steps to ensure that any use of the lake is done with respect and within regulation.
Economic Benefits of Lake Superior
The lake has been an integral part of both the U.S. and Canadian economies since the early 20th century. It has historically been a source of raw materials, energy, transportation, tourism and shipping. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on the lake for their livelihoods, including fishermen, recreational companies, shipping firms and local industry.
The lake is a major source of minerals and natural gas, providing jobs for those who mine for them and for those who transport them. This is especially important for the U.S. where Lake Superior is part of the Great Lakes Basin. This basin is one of the most important mineral-producing regions in the world and its contribution to the country’s economy is vast.
The transportation of minerals, energy and shipping of other items also contribute to the economic sustainability of the region. Ports like Thunder Bay and Duluth are major hubs for trans-shipment in both the U.S. and Canada. The transportation of goods and services have made these cities prosperous and have provided many jobs.
Tourism is also important to the local economies. The lake offers opportunities for adventure and relaxation, while its landscapes are a great source of inspiration and a draw for many visitors. This has bolstered tourism revenue in many local communities, creating much-needed jobs along the way.
The lake and its surrounding areas are an important source of life and provide livelihoods for many people. It has aided both the United States and Canada in their economic development and sustainability and is a key source of wealth for many people.
Challenges Facing Lake Superior
Despite the efforts of both countries, Lake Superior and its surrounding areas face many challenges. Pollution from human activities and the degradation of ecosystems has posed a threat to the lake. Global warming has also contributed to environmental issues such as water-level fluctuations and climate change, which can have a drastic effect on the lake’s health.
Invasive species are also a major threat to the lake’s ecosystems. Invasive species like the sea lamprey can disrupt food webs and alter the delicate balance of the lake’s systems. These species can also cause irreparable damages to the local and native species, as well as disrupt the economic activities that rely on the lake.
Additionally, over-fishing can be detrimental to the lake. This can deplete the fish stocks, leading to lower yields for both commercial and recreational fishermen. It can also cause disruptions to food webs and can drastically alter the lake’s ecosystem.
The rise of shipping traffic has also become a concern. Shipping vessels emit huge amounts of pollution, which can contaminate water sources and cause destruction to habitats in the lake. These ships can also disrupt food webs and drive away native species.
The lake’s ecosystems and its resources are a crucial part of both countries’ economies. It is important that sustainable practices are implemented and monitored to ensure the lake’s health and wellbeing. Addressing the challenges surrounding Lake Superior is essential for maintaining its beauty, resources and livelihoods for years to come.
Lake Superior In Conclusion
Lake Superior, shared by both the United States and Canada, is an incredibly important source of life, resources, and livelihoods for both countries. Both partners have expressed a commitment to preserving and protecting the lake for generations to come. Measures such as environmental laws and policies, organizations, and international agreements have been created to support this cause. Understanding the lake’s history and its importance to both countries is essential for its future health and wellbeing.
