Solving Enviromental Problems at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area: whole-ecosystem experiments and long-term data

The IISD-Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is a whole-ecosystem aquatic research program based in northwestern Ontario, with its main office in Winnipeg.  Research at the IISD-ELA has affected global scientific thinking and policy on a wide range of environmental problems primarily because of unique legislation that allows for the use of whole-ecosystem experiments at the facility.  Past experiments have addressed issues such as harmful algal blooms, acid rain, climate change, contaminants, aquaculture and reservoir management. Researchers at ELA have also collected one of the longest, and most comprehensive data sets on freshwater including up to 49 years of data for some lakes.  This data set has been instrumental in providing information on the effects of climate change, events such as forest fires, and on natural variability.  My talk will provide an overview of past research at the IISD-ELA and an introduction to new studies.