Here are some videos created by the DRCC…enjoy!
Visit our YouTube page for the full suite of videos!
Commitments from the federal and provincial governments as well as the City of Windsor, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, Essex Region Conservation Authority, and various funding sources oversaw the largest shoreline erosion protection and restoration project on the Canadian side of the Detroit River between 2018 and 2022, on Peche Island – an 86-acre island, owned and managed by the City of Windsor under the Parks Department as a Natural Area.
Fish Tumours and other Deformities Redesignation for the Canadian Detroit River Area of Concern
In the 1980s, internal and external tumours and deformities in fish in the Detroit River were found at elevated rates. These deformities can be caused by pollution and sediment contamination. Although contaminants are still present in sediments in the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), the prevalence of tumours in brown bullhead (our indicator species) are decreasing. In part, this is due to legislation introduced by both Canadian and U.S. authorities to restrict the discharge of many pollutants into the river. Researchers from the Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER) examined liver tumours in brown bullhead caught in the Detroit River. Results show that liver tumours in brown bullhead have decreased to less than 1% (1 of 112) – a rate that is lower than the Great Lakes background of 2%. These results indicate that liver tumours in the Detroit River are no more prevalent than other Great Lakes sites, and the Fish Tumours and Other Deformities beneficial use is no longer considered impaired for the Canadian side of the Detroit River.
Phytoplankton & Zooplankton Populations Redesignation for the Canadian Detroit River Area of Concern
Phytoplankton and zooplankton populations make up the base of the aquatic food web and are an important food source. Insufficient data on the phytoplankton and zooplankton populations in the Detroit River led to additional studies including a comprehensive study in 2019 by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Study results indicate that phytoplankton and zooplankton populations are naturally low in the river due to expected river conditions, not human activities. Based on the research findings of all studies, there is no evidence of impairment to the plankton populations in the Detroit River and a “not impaired” status resulted in 2021.
Degradation of Benthos Redesignation for the Canadian Detroit River Area of Concern
Historically, pollution discharges from the heavily urbanized and industrialized shorelines of the Detroit River have contributed to the significant ecological degradation of the benthos community. Benthos are a group of organisms made up of aquatic worms, insects, and other invertebrates, which inhabit the bottom of lakes and rivers. Many benthos are a key source of food for fish, frogs, and other wildlife. Over the past two decades a series of intensive investigations into the sediment quality and benthos health of the Detroit River were conducted. Results of these studies showed that sediment contaminants declined steadily between 1999-2013 and that the vast majority of the Canadian side of the Detroit River showed minimal benthos impairment and potential for bioaccumulation. These results indicate that the benthos communities are now considered to have recovered to a point where they are no longer impaired in the Detroit River.
LOVE your Detroit River
What does 30 years of progress look like? Check it out! For more information about the Detroit River remedial action plan, visit http://detroitriver.ca. Thanks to many video contributors, especially Mel Diotte. See more of Mel’s stunning photos and videos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8128949…
What happens to our wastewater?
The City of Windsor and the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Initiative have partnered to create this video to show what happens to wastewater when it goes down the drain.
1,2 and TP, that’s it!
Your toilet’s not a garbage can. Let’s prevent sewer backup by sticking to “1, 2 and T.P.” In your sink, soap and water, that’s it.
Restoring our River Together!
A brief public service announcement providing an overview of the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup initiative and how to get more information.
