Shipping, boating & navigation (662 articles)

Since the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, shipping has had dramatic impacts on the Great Lakes. Dredging to accommodate large ships alters the flow of water and contributes to shoreline erosion in some areas. The contaminated materials that are dug up during dredging are often stored in open areas, contaminating the birds and fish that frequent them. In Canada, the corporations that manage our major ports (Harbour Commissions and Port Authorities) often disagree with local communities about the best uses for our waterfront. Meanwhile, ships often dump waste cargo and contaminated ballast water out in the lake, releasing chemicals, metals, and invasive species.