Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, is showing signs of improvement, especially in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Researcher Tim Hollinger, who coordinates the North Shore of Lake Superior Remedial Action Plans (RAP), says one of the biggest signs of success is that some fish caught in Thunder Bay's harbour are now safe to eat. He calls this a “huge win,” showing that the efforts to clean and restore the lake’s waters are making progress.

Hollinger’s team works on restoring the lake’s ecosystem, removing pollution, and protecting habitats for wildlife. He says that while progress is encouraging, there are still concerns about future changes, particularly in the United States, where funding for research on the Great Lakes may be reduced.

Remedial Action Plans and Restoration Efforts

The North Shore of Lake Superior RAP has been based at Lakehead University since 2008. Its goal is to remove the designation of Areas of Concern (AOC) in the area. AOCs are sites that were previously heavily polluted due to industrial activities, unsafe for fish consumption, or had damaged habitats.

Thunder Bay has been classified as an AOC since 1987 under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). This legally binding agreement requires both countries to work together to restore the ecological health of the Great Lakes.

Thanks to ongoing restoration work, including improving wetlands and cleaning up polluted areas, Thunder Bay may soon be delisted as an AOC, possibly within the next five years. Safe fish consumption and restored wetland habitats are key indicators of this progress.

Funding Support

In late July, Hollinger’s team received a $346,250 grant from the Ontario provincial government to continue restoration projects. Other recipients of this funding include Bare Point Developments Inc. and the City of Thunder Bay, who are also working on improving local environments.

Some specific projects include:

• Restoring coastal wetlands at the former Superior Fine Papers site with Bare Point Developments.
• Improving drainage and nearshore wildlife habitats near the city’s Pool 6 cruise ship terminal with the City of Thunder Bay.
• These projects are helping to revive ecosystems and protect species that depend on healthy habitats, including fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Other Areas of Concern

Besides Thunder Bay, the North Shore of Lake Superior has three other federally designated AOCs:

• Nipigon Bay
• Jackfish Bay
• Peninsula Harbour

Hollinger notes that having an AOC designation can be a “blemish” for a community or harbor. Delisting these areas is celebrated because it reflects cleaner waters, healthier ecosystems, and safer food sources for humans and wildlife.

Concerns About U.S. Funding Cuts

While restoration in Canada is progressing, Hollinger is worried about what may happen south of the border. The U.S. government recently announced plans to cut Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by 54% for 2026. These cuts could affect research on the Great Lakes in the United States and may lead to more industrialization along the shoreline, potentially harming the ecosystem.

Hollinger said, “If we lose part of that research, it is a significant hit to our understanding of the lake.” Cross-border research is important because Lake Superior spans both Canada and the U.S., and ecological changes on one side affect the other.

U.S. Researchers Facing Challenges

Even before the 2026 fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025, U.S. Great Lakes researchers are already facing difficulties. In July, the EPA announced plans to close its Office of Research and Development (ORD) and lay off thousands of employees. This move has left many researchers unsure about their positions and has disrupted ongoing research projects.

Researchers argue that reducing scientific funding and cutting staff may weaken efforts to monitor and protect the Great Lakes, including tracking pollution, studying fish populations, and maintaining habitats.

Importance of Safe Fish

• One of the most visible signs of improvement in Thunder Bay is that fish in the harbour are now safe to eat. This is important for several reasons:
• It shows the water is cleaner and less contaminated by chemicals or pollutants.
• It supports local communities that rely on fishing for food and recreation.
• It helps restore confidence in the lake’s health and sustainability.
• Hollinger considers this a major success, reflecting years of research, clean-up efforts, and habitat restoration.

Restoration of Wetlands

Wetlands are critical to the health of Lake Superior. They act as natural filters that remove pollutants, provide habitats for birds and fish, and reduce the effects of flooding. Hollinger’s team has been restoring wetlands at former industrial sites and near harbor areas, helping to rebuild native plants, improve water flow, and support wildlife.

Projects like those at the Superior Fine Papers site and the Pool 6 terminal show how collaboration between universities, developers, and municipalities can lead to effective environmental restoration.

Cross-Border Cooperation

The health of Lake Superior depends on cooperation between Canada and the U.S.. Both countries must follow the GLWQA, a legally binding agreement that was first signed in 1972. The agreement requires both nations to:

• Monitor water quality
• Conduct research
• Restore and maintain habitats
• Protect fish and wildlife

When either country reduces funding or disrupts research, it can have consequences for the entire lake. Hollinger emphasizes that binational cooperation is essential for the long-term health of Lake Superior.

• Community Benefits
• The improvements in Thunder Bay have a direct impact on the community. Clean waters and restored habitats:
• Make fishing safe again
• Increase tourism opportunities
• Improve overall quality of life for residents
• Promote environmental education and awareness
• Delisting Thunder Bay as an AOC would be a cause for celebration, showing the hard work of researchers, governments, and community partners has paid off.

Challenges Ahead

• Despite progress, challenges remain:
• U.S. funding cuts may reduce monitoring and research on the southern side of Lake Superior.
• Industrial expansion along the shoreline could increase pollution risks.
• Maintaining long-term health of the lake requires continued cooperation between Canadian and U.S. authorities.
• Hollinger warns that without ongoing support, some gains may be reversed, putting fish, wildlife, and local communities at risk.

Lake Superior’s health is improving, especially in Thunder Bay, where safe fish and restored wetlands signal progress. The work of the North Shore RAP and other partners shows that environmental restoration is possible through science, collaboration, and dedication.

However, future challenges, particularly from U.S. funding cuts and potential industrial development, could threaten these gains. Protecting the lake requires continued research, careful management, and strong cooperation between Canada and the United States.

For the residents of Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, the message is clear: environmental recovery is possible, but vigilance and support are essential to keep Lake Superior healthy for future generations.