Climate Change in the Great Lakes: The Silent Shift
Explore how climate change is reshaping the Great Lakes, from shifting species to altered dive conditions, and what divers can do to adapt.
PRESERVING OUR GREAT LAKES AND OCEANS
Climate Change in the Great Lakes: The Silent Shift
When most people think about climate change and diving, they picture coral reefs and tropical seas. Freshwater divers know the Great Lakes — our inland seas — are also experiencing transformation, much of it happening quietly beneath the surface.
The Great Lakes hold about 20% of the world’s surface fresh water. They are vast enough to have tides, currents, and unique weather patterns. Their ecosystems are sensitive, and climate change is altering water temperature, ice cover, and seasonal cycles in ways that affect both aquatic life and diving conditions.
Warmer winters mean less ice cover, which disrupts the food chain. Cold-water species such as lake trout may struggle, while invasive species like zebra mussels and round gobies may expand their range. Algal blooms, once rare in some areas, are becoming more common, reducing visibility and changing water chemistry.
For divers, these shifts can mean changes in where and when certain species are found, fluctuating visibility, and water levels that affect shore entries and boat launches. Wreck divers might notice more biofouling or different sediment buildup patterns on historic sites.
The human impact is also evident. Shifting precipitation patterns can lead to flooding that reduces water quality through runoff. Extreme weather events may damage dive infrastructure and increase seasonal diving risks.
Great Lakes divers can help by supporting conservation groups, participating in citizen science programs that track water temperature or invasive species, and advocating for pollution reduction. Every logged dive can be more than an adventure; it can also be a contribution to understanding and protecting these waters.
The Great Lakes may be far from the nearest coral reef, yet their health is deeply connected to the global climate. Staying informed and involved can help ensure these inland seas remain safe and thriving for future generations.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA). (n.d.). Climate change impacts on the Great Lakes. https://www.glerl.noaa.gov
International Joint Commission. (n.d.). Climate change and the Great Lakes. https://ijc.org