An Area of Concern (AOCs) is a location where the environment has been damaged by people. To qualify as an AOC, an area must contain one or more beneficial use impairments. An impaired beneficial use means a change in the chemical, physical or biological integrity of a water body sufficient to cause any of the following:
- Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption
- Tainting of fish and wildlife flavor
- Degradation of fish and wildlife populations
- Fish tumors or other deformities
- Bird or mammal deformities or reproduction problems
- Degradation of benthos
- Restrictions on dredging activities
- Eutrophication or undesirable algae
- Drinking water restrictions, or taste and odor problems
- Beach closings
- Degradation of aesthetics
- Added costs to agriculture or industry
- Degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton
- Loss of fish and wildlife habitat
The U.S.-Canada Water Quality Agreement defined 43 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes watershed. Explore this map to learn about the status of Great Lakes AOCs. Click on the symbol in the upper right corner to enlarge the map.
