Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes and is the world’s largest freshwater lake in terms of surface area. It is located on the U.S.-Canada border and is shared by both countries. As the border runs through the middle of the lake, who owns Lake Superior is a question that has been debated for many years.
The border of Lake Superior is defined by the Treaty of 1818 and the Webster-Ashburton agreement of 1842 which is still in effect today. According to these agreements, the entirety of Lake Superior is an international lake, divided between the U.S. and Canada. However, there are nuances to who owns the lake and its resources that remain unresolved. For example, who owns the lakebed? Who has the right to access the lake and its resources?
In terms of the lakebed, the U.S. and Canada both have sovereignty over this aspect of ownership. The International Joint Commission—a board that both countries consult for issues regarding their shared international waters—has stated that mineral resources in the lakebed belong to the country that owns the land where the resource is located. It is worth noting, however, that navigational rights, such as ships sailing through the lake or fishing, are open to everyone, regardless of where they are located.
When it comes to the resources of Lake Superior, it is a complex issue. The Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) sets out a set of regulations pertaining to who has the right to access and use resources such as fisheries and mineral rights. It has been agreed upon by the U.S. and Canada that both countries have the right to access and use the fisheries, but not the mineral resources, of the lake. This means that the U.S. and Canada both have the right to use the lake for things like fishing, but not for extracting mineral resources from the lakebed.
In addition to the legal aspects of who owns Lake Superior, there are also social, cultural and environmental considerations. The lake has long been a source of life for Indigenous peoples who have been drawn to its water and resources. At the same time, it has also become a tourist destination, beloved by millions of visitors from around the world. Locals of both the U.S. and Canada have also had a large stake in the lake and its resources over the years, making ownership of Lake Superior a complex issue that concerns many.
Lake Superior is part of a larger ecosystem, and the impacts of how the lake is managed and how its resources are used affects not just the U.S. and Canada, but the entire planet. As the climate crisis deepens, the need for preserving Lake Superior and its resources only increases. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that both the U.S. and Canada work together to ensure that the lake and its resources are managed sustainably and with respect for both cultures and the environment.
Protecting Marine Species
The health of Lake Superior is intimately connected to the health of the other Great Lakes. As such, both governments have put in place measures to protect and restore important species in the lake. This includes the banning of certain types of fishing gear that were thought to be damaging the lake’s fish populations, as well as efforts to restore fish and wildlife habitat.
The governments of the U.S. and Canada have also begun to take action to protect the lake’s iconic lake trout. This species is important both culturally and recreationally, and provides economic benefits to both countries. In 2017, the governments agreed to implement a set of regulations to protect lake trout, including reduced size and bag limits, unique management plans for each lake, and increased restrictions on fishing in certain areas of the lake.
The U.S. and Canada are also collaborating on a series of projects to restore and protect water quality in Lake Superior. This includes the recent installation of a new water treatment facility in the U.S. side of the lake, as well as a number of projects to reduce invasive species and nutrient runoff. These efforts are still in their early stages, but they demonstrate the commitment of both countries to preserve and protect the lake.
Enhancing Tourism
The beauty of Lake Superior is renowned, and tourism is an important factor in the economies of both the U.S. and Canada. As such, both countries are taking measures to ensure that the lake is accessible and inviting to visitors. This includes efforts to clean up the lake, increase access to public beaches, and improve water quality.
Both countries have also worked together to create a number of recreational programs for visitors. This includes the Lake Superior Water Trail, which is a network of routes that allow visitors to explore the lake from both sides of the border. There are also programs to promote recreational fishing, as well as educational programs that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the lake and its resources.
The governments of the U.S. and Canada are also taking steps to make Lake Superior more sustainable for both visitors and locals alike. This includes reducing pollution, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, and implementing renewable energy projects. These projects are all part of making Lake Superior a destination that can be enjoyed by everyone, while also ensuring that the lake is not overused or taken for granted.
Citizen Stewardship
It is ultimately up to the citizens of both the U.S. and Canada to ensure that Lake Superior is managed sustainably and responsibly. Citizens should take personal responsibility for the resources they use and be aware of the long-term impacts of their actions. It is also important to advocate for conservation and protection of the lake’s natural resources, and to strive to be good stewards of the lake.
One way for citizens to get involved is to join local conservation and advocacy groups. These groups often have detailed information about local issues and can be an effective way to make sure that the lake is being used responsibly. Citizens can also actively participate in lake cleanup efforts and volunteer for organizations that are dedicated to protecting the lake.
Finally, it is important for citizens to become educated about the lake and its resources. Citizens should learn about the ecology of the lake, the impacts of climate change, and the various threats to the lake’s health. This knowledge can help citizens become better stewards of the lake and can ensure that Lake Superior remains a vital part of our natural landscape for generations to come.
Water Governance
While the debate over who owns Lake Superior is still ongoing, it is clear that both the U.S. and Canada share a strong interest in its future. In recent years, both countries have taken a number of steps to protect the lake and its resources and ensure that it is managed in a sustainable and equitable manner.
The International Joint Commission, which serves to guide U.S. and Canadian water governance, has adopted a number of protocols in recent years that aim to ensure that the lake and its resources are managed responsibly. This includes regulations to protect fish and wildlife populations, increase transparency, and promote sustainable practices.
At the same time, the U.S. and Canada are working together to address the impacts of climate change, which is impacting the lake on both sides of the border. This includes efforts to reduce pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and promote renewable energy projects. These efforts are all part of the larger effort to ensure that Lake Superior remains safe and healthy for future generations.
Economic Benefits
Lake Superior is an important economic resource for both the U.S. and Canada. The lake provides a variety of economic benefits, such as tourism, fishing, shipping, and hydropower. Both countries have taken steps to ensure that these resources are being used responsibly and sustainably.
The fishing industry is an important economic sector for both countries, and it has been a source of income for small-scale fisheries for decades. Regulations are in place to protect the fisheries of Lake Superior, such as size and bag limits, and both countries are working together to ensure that the long-term health of the fishery is preserved.
Shipping is also an important industry in the region, and it is an important source of transportation and commerce. Both countries are taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of shipping, such as using cleaner fuels and implementing measures to reduce water pollution. These efforts are further evidence of the shared commitment of the U.S. and Canada to maintaining a healthy, sustainable lake.
Lake Superior also provides a variety of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping, to fishing and lake sports. There are a variety of businesses that cater to the tourism industry and provide economic benefits to both the U.S. and Canada. This includes accommodation providers, marinas, guides, and more, all of which contribute to the overall economic health of the lake.
Conclusion
Despite the ongoing debate over who owns Lake Superior, it is clear that both the U.S. and Canada have a vested interest in its future. Both countries have taken steps to protect the lake and its resources, as well as to promote responsible and sustainable use of the lake. The lake is an important economic resource for both countries, and it provides a variety of recreational and tourism opportunities. As such, it is important that both countries continue to work together to ensure that Lake Superior remains a healthy and vibrant resource that can be enjoyed by all.
