The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority unveiled a new research boat that officials say will be integral to its lake monitoring program.
Named after the scientific term for mayfly - Hexagenia was unveiled Thursday at the Lefroy Harbour Resorts marina.
The new research vessel will use state-of-the-art equipment to continue to monitor the health of Lake Simcoe, replacing a previous boat in use since 2009.
“The presence of mayflies is seen as an indicator of clean, unpolluted water,” says Dr. Brian Ginn, LSRCA’s limnologist. Dr. Ginn leads LSRCA’s lake research program, which began in 2009. “The mayfly used to be abundant in Lake Simcoe, but its numbers have declined. By naming our boat Hexagenia, we are underscoring our commitment to work towards a cleaner, healthier Lake Simcoe.”
LSRCA is one of the only conservation authorities in Ontario to be able to monitor a complete lake ecosystem. Lake monitoring tracks phosphorus levels, dissolved oxygen levels, other nutrients like chlorides, heavy metals, suspended solids, fish, aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, and water clarity.
The data provides a snapshot of water quality and an understanding of emerging trends, issues and patterns.
The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation raised money needed to purchase the vessel which cost more than $100,000.
