The Great Lakes, or the Great Lakes of North America, are a collection of large, interconnected freshwater lakes located in the east-central interior of North America. They are connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River. The five lakes are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, and they generally lie along or near the Canada–United States border. Hydrologically, Lakes Michigan and Huron are considered a single body of water connected at the Straits of Mackinac. The Great Lakes Waterway facilitates modern travel and shipping among these lakes.
1900: Commercial Fishing in Lake Michigan
By 1900, commercial fishermen on Lake Michigan were hauling in an average of 41 million pounds of fish annually. This marked the peak of commercial fishing in the region before significant declines due to overfishing.
October 11, 1907: Sinking of Cyprus
On October 11, 1907, the ore carrier Cyprus sank during a storm on Lake Superior, resulting in the deaths of 22 crew members. The wreckage was discovered in 2007 by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
1909: Establishment of the International Joint Commission
In 1909, the International Joint Commission was established to help prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of boundary waters between the United States and Canada. This was critical in addressing concerns over the diversion of Lake water.
1915: SS Eastland Disaster
In 1915, the SS Eastland rolled over while loading passengers at a Chicago dock, resulting in the tragic deaths of 841 people. This incident remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the Great Lakes.
1918: Fluctuation of Water Levels Observed
Fluctuation of the water levels in the Great Lakes has been observed since records began in 1918. This observation has been crucial in understanding the hydrological dynamics of the lakes.
1918: Sinking of French Minesweepers Inkerman and Cerisoles
In 1918, the French minesweepers Inkerman and Cerisoles vanished in Lake Superior during a blizzard. The disappearance resulted in the deaths of 78 people, marking the largest loss of life in Lake Superior and the greatest unexplained loss in the Great Lakes.
1938: Mechanization of Wisconsin's Commercial Fishing
By 1938, Wisconsin's commercial fishing operations were motorized and mechanized, generating jobs for more than 2,000 workers and hauling 14 million pounds of fish per year. This transition marked a significant shift in the fishing industry.
1950: Development of Self-Unloader Ships
Since about 1950, a common sight on the Great Lakes has been the 1,000-by-105-foot self-unloader ships. These lakers have a conveyor belt system that allows them to unload cargo by swinging a crane over the side, representing a significant advancement in maritime technology.
1954: Hurricane Hazel Intensification
In 1954, the Great Lakes were observed to help intensify Hurricane Hazel. This phenomenon demonstrated the significant influence of the lakes on storm patterns.
1970: Mercury Not Listed as Harmful Chemical
In 1970, mercury was not considered a harmful chemical by the United States Federal Water Quality Administration. Later studies revealed that mercury in water forms methyl mercury, which is highly toxic to humans and wildlife, leading to significant health issues such as birth defects and the near extinction of eagles in the Great Lakes region.
1972: U.S. Clean Water Act and Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
In 1972, the first U.S. Clean Water Act was passed, along with the bi-national Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the U.S. These legislative actions were crucial in improving water quality in the Great Lakes.
1972: Environmental Atlas and Resource Book
The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book was published in 1972, noting that only pockets remained of the once large commercial fishery. This publication highlighted the environmental challenges facing the Great Lakes.
November 10, 1975: Sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald
On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank just over 17 miles offshore from Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. This tragic event marked the largest and last major freighter wreck on the Great Lakes.
1986: Ruffe Detection in Lake Superior
In 1986, the ruffe, a small percid fish from Eurasia, was detected in Lake Superior's Saint Louis River. Within five years, it became the most abundant fish species in the area, posing a significant threat to the local fishery.
1988: Discovery of Zebra Mussel
In 1988, the invasive zebra mussel was first discovered in the Great Lakes. This species has since caused severe economic and ecological impacts due to its efficient filter feeding and competition with native species.
1989: Discovery of Quagga Mussel
In 1989, the invasive quagga mussel was discovered in the Great Lakes. Similar to the zebra mussel, it has had significant ecological and economic effects, particularly in Lake Michigan.
1994: Collingwood Harbour De-listed
In 1994, Ontario's Collingwood Harbour became the first of 43 'Great Lakes Areas of Concern' to be formally de-listed through successful cleanup efforts. This marked a significant milestone in Great Lakes environmental management.
1996: 1996 Lake Huron Cyclone
In 1996, a rare tropical or subtropical storm was observed forming in Lake Huron, known as the 1996 Lake Huron cyclone. This event was notable for its rarity and the unique meteorological conditions it presented.
March 6, 1998: Lake Champlain Briefly Becomes Sixth Great Lake
On March 6, 1998, President Clinton signed Senate Bill 927, briefly designating Lake Champlain as the sixth Great Lake. This status allowed neighboring states to apply for federal research and education funds. The designation was revoked on March 24, although some universities continued to receive funding.
1998: Abandonment of Nova Group's Water Withdrawal Plan
In 1998, public outcry led to the abandonment of a plan by the Canadian company Nova Group to withdraw 158,000,000 U.S. gallons of Lake Superior water annually to ship to Asia. This event spurred negotiations that resulted in the signing of the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.
1999: Increase in Antidepressant Use
Between 1999 and 2002, the percentage of American adults taking antidepressant drugs rose from 7.7% to 12.7%. These drugs eventually entered the Great Lakes, causing fish to have elevated levels of antidepressants in their brains, affecting their behavior and population sustainability.
2000: Quagga Mussel Population Explosion
By 2000, the quagga mussel population had exploded in Lake Michigan, covering the lake bottom almost from shore to shore with an estimated 900 trillion individuals. This invasion has greatly impacted the lake's ecosystem.
2002: Increase in Antidepressant Use
Between 1999 and 2002, the percentage of American adults taking antidepressant drugs rose from 7.7% to 12.7%. These drugs eventually entered the Great Lakes, causing fish to have elevated levels of antidepressants in their brains, affecting their behavior and population sustainability.
2002: Bulk Cargo Movement on the Great Lakes
In 2002, the Great Lakes continued to serve as a major water transport corridor with 162 million net tons of dry bulk cargo moved. The primary commodities included iron ore, grain, and potash, which are essential for the steel industry.
2003: Severn Sound De-listed
In 2003, Ontario's Severn Sound was formally de-listed as a 'Great Lakes Area of Concern' following successful cleanup efforts. This event highlighted the ongoing progress in improving the Great Lakes' environmental health.
2004: International Ferry Service Across Lake Ontario
An international ferry service across Lake Ontario operated between Rochester, New York, and Toronto in 2004. Although the service ceased in 2005, it marked an important transportation effort between the two cities.
2004: Discovery of Shipwreck Claimed to be Le Griffon
In 2004, a shipwreck was discovered and claimed to be Le Griffon, the first ship to sail the Great Lakes, which was lost in a 1679 storm. The discovery sparked significant historical interest.
December 13, 2005: Signing of Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River Basin Agreements
On December 13, 2005, the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact were signed by the Governors of the eight Great Lakes states and the Premiers of Ontario and Quebec. These agreements aim to prevent most future water diversion proposals and strengthen the protection against abusive water withdrawal practices within the Great Lakes basin.
2005: International Ferry Service Across Lake Ontario
An international ferry service across Lake Ontario operated between Rochester, New York, and Toronto in 2004. Although the service ceased in 2005, it marked an important transportation effort between the two cities.
2007: Car Ferry Services on the Great Lakes
As of 2007, four car ferry services operated on the Great Lakes. These included routes on Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron, providing essential transportation services between various destinations.
2007: Discovery of Cyprus Wreckage
In 2007, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society announced the discovery of the Cyprus wreckage, a century-old ore carrier that sank in 1907 during a Lake Superior storm.
2007: Economic Impact of Zebra Mussel
In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that the economic impact of the zebra mussel could be about $5 billion over the next decade. This highlighted the significant financial burden of invasive species management.
October 3, 2008: Great Lakes Compact Signed into Law
On October 3, 2008, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact was signed into law by President George W. Bush. This compact has been approved by the state legislatures of all eight states that border the Great Lakes, further protecting the region against large-scale water diversions.
2008: Discovery of HMS Ontario Wreck
In 2008, deep-sea divers found the wreck of the 1780 Royal Navy warship HMS Ontario in Lake Ontario. The site is being treated as a war grave, and there are no plans to raise the ship.
2009: Improvement in Wastewater Treatment
In 2009, the International Joint Commission reported significant improvements in wastewater treatment since the early 1970s. This progress was due to substantial investments in infrastructure and technology, resulting in reduced pollution from sewage discharges into the Great Lakes.
2010: Discovery of L.R. Doty Wreck
In 2010, the shipwreck of L.R. Doty was found in Lake Michigan by a team led by dive boat Captain Jitka Hanakova. The ship sank in 1898 during a storm, possibly while attempting a rescue mission.
2011: Increase in Antidepressant Use
Between 2011 and 2014, the percentage of American adults taking antidepressant drugs rose to 12.7%. These drugs eventually entered the Great Lakes, causing fish to have elevated levels of antidepressants in their brains, affecting their behavior and population sustainability.
2011: Blue-green Algae Blooms in Lake Erie
In 2011, blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria blooms, became problematic on Lake Erie. These blooms are primarily caused by fertilizer and phosphorus runoff, impacting water quality and the lake's ecosystem.
2011: Goderich Tornado
In 2011, the Great Lakes played a role in the intensification of the Goderich, Ontario tornado, which moved onshore as a tornadic waterspout. This highlighted the lakes' influence on severe weather events.
2011: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding
In 2011, the U.S. federal government's budget included $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This program, described as "the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades," focuses on grants for toxics cleanups, wetlands and coastline restoration projects, and invasive species-related projects.
2011: Last Commercial Fisherman Leaves Milwaukee
In 2011, the last commercial fisherman left Milwaukee due to overfishing and anthropogenic changes to the biosphere. This event underscored the significant impact of human activities on the Great Lakes' fisheries.
2012: Continued Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
In 2012, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative received continued funding of $300 million in the U.S. federal government's budget. This funding supports ongoing efforts for toxics cleanups, wetlands and coastline restoration projects, and invasive species-related projects in the Great Lakes region.
2012: Start of Long-term Micro-organism Study
In 2012, a long-term study of the Great Lakes' micro-organisms began. This study aimed to better understand the abundant but poorly known microbial life in the lakes and their environmental effects.
2013: Record Low Water Levels
In 2013, Lakes Superior, Erie, and Michigan-Huron experienced record low water levels. This significant event highlighted the impact of human activities and environmental changes on the Great Lakes.
2014: Increase in Antidepressant Use
Between 2011 and 2014, the percentage of American adults taking antidepressant drugs rose to 12.7%. These drugs eventually entered the Great Lakes, causing fish to have elevated levels of antidepressants in their brains, affecting their behavior and population sustainability.
2014: New Discovery Claimed to be Le Griffon
In 2014, another shipwreck was discovered in a different location and also claimed to be Le Griffon, adding to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the first ship to sail the Great Lakes.
2015: Largest Lake Erie Bloom
In 2015, Lake Erie experienced its largest cyanobacteria bloom to date, with a severity index exceeding 10.5. This event underscored the ongoing challenges of nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes.
August 2019: Significant Cyanobacteria Bloom
In early August 2019, a significant cyanobacteria bloom was observed on Lake Erie, stretching up to 1,300 square kilometers. Water quality testing was underway to assess the potential impacts of this large bloom.
2019: Discovery of Over 160 New Species
By 2019, over 160 new species of micro-organisms had been discovered in the Great Lakes as part of the ongoing study initiated in 2012. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into the lakes' ecosystems.
2019: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act
In 2019, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act was passed to continue funding and support for environmental projects in the Great Lakes region. This act was later enacted as Public Law 116-294 on January 5, 2021.
2020: Record High Water Levels
In 2020, Lakes Superior, Erie, and Michigan-Huron reached record high water levels. This contrasted sharply with the record lows of 2013 and indicated ongoing fluctuations and environmental impacts on the Great Lakes.
2020: Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Project
In 2020, the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup project deployed self-operating floating devices called Seabin to capture plastic trash. Between 2020 and 2021, the project captured 74,000 pieces of trash, although it does not keep up with the 22 million pounds of plastic entering the Great Lakes annually.
January 5, 2021: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019
On January 5, 2021, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 became Public Law 116-294. This act supports funding for toxics cleanups, wetlands and coastline restoration projects, and invasive species-related projects in the Great Lakes region.
2021: Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Project
In 2020, the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup project deployed self-operating floating devices called Seabin to capture plastic trash. Between 2020 and 2021, the project captured 74,000 pieces of trash, although it does not keep up with the 22 million pounds of plastic entering the Great Lakes annually.
2021: Establishment of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary
In 2021, the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was established in the waters of Lake Michigan off Wisconsin. This area is known for its numerous historically significant shipwrecks.