According to a major binational report, the efforts have spiked populations of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, walleye and burrowing mayflies. John Hartig, manager of Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge said that the mammals had been either ceased to exist or adversely affected by pollution in the river and the lake.
He further adds that the Detroit River and western Lake Erie are passing through very thin phase of ecological recoveries in North America. According to him there are still many things remain to do. The river and the lake have been described as most polluted water bodies in the country, revealed “State of the Strait Report: Status and Trends of Key Indicators.” Hartig added that the report also pointed out a decrease in the water of oil, phosphorus, chloride and untreated waste from sewer overflow discharges. The results were contaminated fish and wildlife.
According to Hartig the Detroit River and Lake Erie are now an important asset to the region, bringing in millions of dollars in hunting, fishing, birding, sailing and kayaking revenues. So preserving its waters and its species is the main concern of the authority. Besides government effort strong public awareness is also needed for supervision, monitoring, research and efficient policies that will need to continue to enhance the environmental trends.
