ABSTRACT
Th e Great Lakes are an important part of the physical landscape and cultural heritage of the United States of America and Canada. Th ey are important for both the Canadian and US economy and also form a substantial network of trade between the two countries. Th e eco-system services provided by the Great Lakes Basin include: water supply for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural use; commercial and sport fi shing; hunting; boating; swimming; hydropower production; nutrient cycling; biodiversity, and responding to climate change in the region. Despite their immense size the Great Lakes are very sensitive to chemical and biological stresses, which threaten the resilience of any restoration activities.
