Had an ecological distaster in the mid-90's, with the introduction of zebra mussels. The mussels are extremely sharp and multiply quickly. It was introduced due to trade through the waters of the Great Lake. They latched on to rocks, docks, and various boats. It slowed the boats, and cut up little children who swam near the docks, or above the rocks.

Also, this body of water makes up a good deal of the drinking water of my area, Rochester, NY.