Enhanced transboundary governance capacity needed to achieve policy goals for harmful algal blooms

Abstract

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is at risk from environmental contaminants, with the western basin of Lake Erie plagued by harmful algal blooms (HABs). Although science and technology are essential to inform policy, we contend that effective governance is required to achieve policy goals. We analyze the binational management framework for addressing HABs in the western basin using a transboundary governance capacity (TGC) lens and, specifically, the attribute of institutional capacity, to assess its effectiveness. Although the management framework has some level of legitimacy and, in the case of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, resiliency, there are little compliance and functional intensity in place. This is remarkable, given the importance of effective governance to solving urgent Great Lakes water quality issues such as HABs. A comprehensive binational approach at the federal level is not likely; therefore, we urge officials in both Canada and the United States to strengthen TGC as it relates to HABs at the sub-federal level through a compact or other binational mechanism.