Introduction and summary of research on Lake Simcoe: Research, monitoring, and restoration of a large lake and its watershed

Lake Simcoe is the largest lake within southern Ontario, Canada, and is an invaluable natural resource. However, in recent decades the ecological health of Lake Simcoe has been degraded by human activities, particularly those associated with agriculture and urbanization. In response, a number of management initiatives have been implemented to restore and protect Lake Simcoe and its watershed. These initiatives have also provided funding to enhance research and long-term monitoring efforts. This special issue features 17 articles highlighting current research on the lake and watershed. The articles are organized into five major areas: (1) phosphorus loading; (2) dreissenid mussels; (3) climate change; (4) synergistic impacts of phosphorus reductions, dreissenid mussels, and climate change; and (5) pollutants, fish contaminant levels, and human health. The results presented in this special issue greatly enhance our understanding of the current ecological status of Lake Simcoe, the stressors impacting the lake, and the factors that regulate lake and watershed processes across different spatial and temporal scales. These results will facilitate informed management decisions and ensure the continued restoration and protection of Lake Simcoe and its watershed.