Lake Huron Coastal Ecosystems

Overview

• Southeastern coast of Lake Huron hosts thousands of permanent and seasonal residents.
• Millions of visitors engage in recreational activities: fishing, swimming, boating.
• Lake Huron is essential for the economic development of coastal communities.

Water Quality and Algal Issues

• Most beaches are safe for recreational use.
• However, many beaches still face water quality advisories and nuisances from algae.

Importance of Sand Beaches and Dunes

• Sand beaches, dunes, and cobble shores are crucial ecosystems.
• They cover only 2-3% of Lake Huron's shoreline but are popular among residents and visitors.
• These ecosystems provide valuable services and support rare species.

Characteristics of Sand Beaches and Dunes

• Dynamic environments that grow and shrink with changing water levels.
• Development threatens habitat of endangered species.
• Active sand dunes provide:
  • Erosion protection from storm surges
  • Rare species habitat
  • Water filtration
  • Buffers against waves and wind

Ecological Significance

• Coastal dune systems are among the most fragile ecological features in North America.
• Ontario's Great Lakes dune systems are considered of national significance due to rarity and fragility.
• Essential nesting habitats for endangered species like the Piping Plover.

Threats to Sand Beaches and Dunes

• At risk from:
  • Development
  • Pollution
  • Destruction of dunes
  • Removal of natural vegetation
  • Invasive species

Preservation Methods

• Simple methods to enhance and preserve sand beaches and dunes:
  • Install sand fencing parallel to the shoreline (fall to spring) to build dunes.
  • Plant native species (e.g., dune grass) to stabilize sediment.

Cobble Shorelines

• Unique habitats characterized by limestone rocks, found in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
• Less than 5% vegetation cover distinguishes cobble beaches from others.
• They support various species: small invertebrates (e.g., crayfish), birds (e.g., gulls), and reptiles (e.g., turtles).

Ecological Role

• Seasonal spawning and migration areas for fish like Whitefish and Lake Trout.
• Cobble shorelines are more permeable and do not store pollutants long-term but can trap garbage.

Threats to Cobble Beaches

• Major threats include:
  • Plastic pollution
  • Vehicle use
  • Invasive species
  • Removal of natural materials
  • Development and alterations

Preservation Strategies

• Reduce pollutants and nutrients entering these ecosystems.
• Conduct beach clean-ups to manage pollution and maintain health of shorelines.