Healthy lakes need healthy wetlands

Science doubles-down on nature as a powerful shield from the chronic issues plaguing our water.

In this episode of Duck Doctors, Ducks Unlimited Canada research biologist Bryan Page joins us from the wetlands at Oak Hammock Marsh, home to our national office, to provide the answers—and to shed some light on the ways people and nature can help reduce the risk. Ducks Unlimited Canada

Canada’s lakes are the backdrop for some of our best days in nature. They are also an essential freshwater source for many communities.

Imagine your perfect summer day. Do you picture yourself wetting a line? Maybe cruising, paddling or towing kids around a lake? Sharing a picnic on the beach with family and friends?

Inspiring as they are, Canada’s lakes are also in trouble. If we do nothing, water quality problems will keep spreading—maybe to your own favourite lake. Perhaps they’re already there.

That’s why “do nothing” isn’t an option, especially when science is showing us the cause and has found an important part of the solution in nature itself. Now we need to act on it.

What makes a lake sick? Science reveals the causes and concerns with blue-green algae.

“Eutrophication” describes when a lake gets more nutrients than it can handle—which can fuel outbreaks of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. Now, climate change is creating favourable conditions for outbreaks earlier and more often.

Toxins produced by blue-green algae can make people, pets, livestock and wildlife sick, too. Those exposed can experience flu-like symptoms and neurological problems. It can even be deadly.

Outbreaks can also deplete oxygen and block sunlight, creating “dead zones” where aquatic species struggle to survive.

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Find more helpful resources on wetlands and healthy lakes

Case-study: insights from Lake Erie water quality research

Recent research shows how nature can help clean our water, even where wetlands—nature’s water filters—have been destroyed.

How to recognize blue-green algae and what to do about it.

Blue-green algae are bacteria that naturally occur in waterbodies. They aren't always harmful but can be in large quantities.

What is a wetland? Learn about these beneficial ecosystems.

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The threat of invasive species to Canada’s land and waters

Learn how we're addressing the threats of invasive species to wetland plants and wildlife, and how you can help.

Have you spotted blue-green algae? Take the quiz to find out.

Do you think you may have spotted blue-green algae? Try our quick six-question quiz to help determine what it is and what you can do about it.

Take the quiz

Healthy lakes need healthy wetlands

What makes a lake sick? Science reveals the causes and concerns with blue-green algae.

Find more helpful resources on wetlands and healthy lakes

Case-study: insights from Lake Erie water quality research

How to recognize blue-green algae and what to do about it.

What is a wetland? Learn about these beneficial ecosystems.

The threat of invasive species to Canada’s land and waters

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Have you spotted blue-green algae? Take the quiz to find out.