Ecosystem research threatened

Year Published:  1991
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX4252

Abstract: 
The future of Canada's most important ecosystem research program, the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) program, is in doubt because of funding cutbacks. The ELA, located just east of Kenora, consists of 47 lakes and associated streams and watersheds. The area was set aside in 1968 for long term study. The ELA has since become known around the world as a uniquely important centre for whole ecosystem research, especially for research on the causes of lake eutrophication and acid rain. However, the program, funded primarily by the federal department of fisheries and oceans has been frozen. When the effects of inflation are taken into account, the project has suffered a 70 per cent funding cut since 1976.
Source: November-December 1990 issue of Alternatives, c/o Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo Ontario N2L 3G1.