"Our goal is to keep common species common," said Donna Myers, coodinator of the USGS Great Lakes Aquatic GAP Analysis Program. "GAP analysis grew out of the realization that a species-by-species approach to conservation does not address the continual loss and fragmentation of natural landscapes," said Myers. "The most efficient way to protect animal species is to protect their habitats. But protection can't be successfully accomplished until we know where these places are located," Myers explained.
The Nature Conservancy estimates that the Great Lakes region supports more than 30 communities of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. The Great Lakes and their watersheds provide habitat for approximately 300 species of fish plus diverse numbers and types of freshwater mussels, crayfish, and aquatic insects. The rivers, streams, wetlands, and coastal areas of the Great Lakes system are key, because fish and other animal species depend on them for habitat. However, what we know about the aquatic biodiversity of this 200,000 square-mile region is incomplete. At the same time there are many threats to the aquatic biodiversity of the Great Lakes Region including invasive species, agricultural development, forestry, and urban expansion.
"Restoring and preserving the richness of species--the biodiversity--of the lands and waters of
the region is an important activity because biodiversity in the Great Lakes is strongly tied to the
economy, health, and quality of life of the surr
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Contact: Donna Myers
dnmyers@usgs.gov
614-430-7715
United States Geological Survey
9-Sep-2002