IISD Experimental Lakes Area
IISD Experimental Lakes Area is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, as well as a facility with accommodations and laboratories for up to 60 personnel.
By manipulating these small lakes, scientists are able to examine how all aspects of the ecosystem—from the atmosphere to fish populations—respond. In April 2014, IISD, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada signed three agreements to ensure the facility's long-term operation.
-
Brochure
Tomorrow Needs Us Today: Water (brochure)
Learn how your voice and actions can inspire generations to come. Your critical support will allow us to expand our research to keep tackling emerging threats to one of the most essential elements we need to survive: fresh water. Read More -
Blog
Way to Go Winnipeggers, on Getting Us Even Closer to Protecting Lake Winnipeg!
Winnipeg is getting even closer to increasing the protection of Lake Winnipeg from harmful algal blooms. And it's thanks to Winnipeggers of all stripes! Read More -
Report
Floating Treatment Wetlands and Plant Bioremediation: Nutrient treatment in eutrophic freshwater lakes
Allow us to explain why floating treatment wetlands are an innovative “natural infrastructure" option for effective biological treatment and removal of nutrients to help clean up algal blooms in surface waters. Read More -
Blog
Zooplankton and Fresh Water: Here are the facts
Zooplankton are critical parts of freshwater ecosystems, but often get forgotten. Scientist Mike Paterson explains what zooplankton are, and why they matter. Read More -
Blog
IISD Reaction to Canadian Environment Commissioner’s 2019 Spring Reports
“Slow action on climate change that is disturbing.” That stark assessment wraps up Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Julie Gelfand’s final report, released earlier today. Read More -
Blog
How the U.S. EPA is Changing its Mercury Policy
We explain how President Trump wants the EPA to changes its policies on mercury, and how it could impact the United States and potentially Canada. Read More -
Blog
Canada could take inspiration from U.S. environmental policy preventing algal blooms
Recent US legislation to combat algal blooms and protect fresh water shows bipartisan environmental action is still possible—and sets an example for other countries. Read More -
Blog
How Will Cannabis Legalization Affect our Fresh Water?
The world’s freshwater laboratory is a very busy field station these days—with ongoing studies examining algal blooms, climate change, selenium Read More -
Blog
We Must Study Marijuana's Impact on the Environment Before It's Too Late
How could marijuana impact freshwater supplies? The focus on human health with Canada’s legalization has highlighted the lack of discussion on the potential environmental effects. Read More -
Blog
Freshwater Lakes’ Pollution Problems Go Beyond Plastics
Focusing solely on plastic pollution ignores the myriad problems — from algae to pollution — that plague our lakes Read More