World-class scientific facility IISD-Experimental Lakes Area begins freshwater research season for 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINNIPEG—May 29, 2014—A new era is set to begin for the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) as it resumes freshwater research for the 2014 season; the first research conducted at the facility since it came under the management of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) last April.

On June 2, 2014 newly-hired scientists at the world-renowned facility will officially get to work on continuing the research that has influenced water science around the world for the last 45 years. For example, researchers will recommence the long-term monitoring of Lake 227: the lake that discovered the effect of phosphorus on eutrophication in freshwater and led to strict policy change around the world.

As the world braces itself for the potential impacts of climate change, researchers will be simulating its effects on Lake 626 at IISD-ELA, mimicking reductions of water inflows to learn how this may impact humans’ water supplies. Other innovative experiments include studying nanosilvers, antibacterial particles found in many electronic appliances and other consumer and commercial products, to discover the effect that their presence in freshwater may have on fish and human health.

IISD-ELA continues to look to the future and is exploring new possibilities of offering high school and college field courses at the facility, as well as welcoming more student researchers. While the details of the educational program are yet to be announced, there is currently an exciting Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to support hosting summer students at the research facility this year. The campaign, which finishes up on June 13, 2014, is almost halfway to its $25,000 goal, and perks for donors include tweets, t-shirts, magnets, as well as “borrowing” a scientist and visits to IISD-ELA for donors of larger amounts.

The Experimental Lakes Area, open since 1968 and comprised of 58 freshwater lakes, is a world-class, unique Canadian scientific research facility; the only site in the world where whole lake-experimentation (essential for optimal, accurate freshwater research findings) is carried out. On April 2, 2014, IISD, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada signed three agreements to ensure the long-term existence of the ELA, with IISD as the operator.

For more information please contact Sumeep Bath, media and communications officer, at sbath@iisd.org or +1 (204) 958 7740.

http://www.iisd.org/ela

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