Canada and the United States are beefing up an international agreement on water quality in the Great Lakes.
Environment Minister Peter Kent and Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, signed the updated deal in Washington on Friday.
The amendments address problems with invasive aquatic species, habitat degradation, harmful algae, toxic chemicals and the effects of climate change.
The updated agreement also calls for developing plans to protect and restore near-shore areas, the primary source of drinking water for Great Lakes communities and the area where most commerce and recreation occurs.
Kent and Jackson said the changes signed on Friday underline a commitment by both governments to improving the environment of the region. They said protecting the lakes will benefit millions of people who live on their shores in both countries.
