Habitat and ecosystem data used to conduct a baseline survey of coastal habitat in Lake Ontario, Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River (up to the Quebec border) are included in this dataset. The Lake Ontario Survey methodology consists of four general steps; 1) delineating the coastal ecosystem into coastal units based on water flow, ecology, and geology; 2) selecting key habitat types including wetlands, uplands (natural and anthropogenic), tributaries, and inland lakes and ponds, and the measures to assess each habitat type and the entire coastal ecosystem; 3) conducting a spatial analysis and summarizing results; and 4) sharing results.

Habitat and ecosystem data used to conduct a baseline survey of coastal habitat in Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and St. Marys River are included in this dataset. The Lake Huron Survey methodology consists of four general steps; 1) delineating the coastal ecosystem into coastal units based on water flow, ecology, and geology; 2) selecting key habitat types including wetlands, uplands (natural and anthropogenic), tributaries, and inland lakes and ponds, and the measures to assess each habitat type and the entire coastal ecosystem; 3) conducting a spatial analysis and summarizing results; and 4) sharing results.

Habitat and ecosystem data used to conduct a baseline survey of coastal habitat in Lake Erie, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair and Detroit River are included in this dataset. The Lake Erie Survey methodology consists of four general steps; 1) delineating the coastal ecosystem into coastal units based on water flow, ecology, and geology; 2) selecting key habitat types including wetlands, uplands (natural and anthropogenic), tributaries, and inland lakes and ponds, and the measures to assess each habitat type and the entire coastal ecosystem; 3) conducting a spatial analysis and summarizing results; and 4) sharing results.

Habitat and ecosystem data used to conduct a baseline survey of coastal habitat in Lake Superior, Nipigon Bay, and Black Bay are included in this dataset. The Lake Superior Survey methodology consists of four general steps; 1) delineating the coastal ecosystem into coastal units based on water flow, ecology, and geology; 2) selecting key habitat types including wetlands, uplands (natural and anthropogenic), tributaries, and inland lakes and ponds, and the measures to assess each habitat type and the entire coastal ecosystem; 3) conducting a spatial analysis and summarizing results; and 4) sharing results.

Water quality and ecosystem health data used to conduct a cumulative effects assessment of Lake Huron and St. Marys River nearshore waters in support of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are included in this dataset. Data related to nearshore stressors is integrated into an overall assessment in a three-phased approach: 1) classification of the nearshore into Regional Units using physical processes and lake characteristics; 2) overall assessment of the state (cumulative stress) of each Regional Unit; and 3) integrate additional information related to nearshore areas of high ecological value. Assessment data is presented within a 30 metre depth zone along the coast. For purposes of determining stress on nearshore waters it is necessary to consider the zones of influence and zones of impact. Measures used to assess the nearshore waters of Lake Huron are broken into four categories: 1) Coastal Processes (Shoreline Hardening, Littoral Barriers, Tributary Connectivity); 2) Contaminants in Water & Sediment (Water Quality, Sediment Quality, Benthic Community); 3) Nuisance & Harmful Algae (Cyanobacteria, Cladophora); and 4) Human Use (Beach Postings, Fish Consumption, Treated Drinking Water).