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Abstract
The St. Lawrence Seaway links central regions of North America to the Atlantic Ocean via the Great
Lakes navigation system. Harmful non-indigenous aquatic invasive species have increasingly been
introduced into the Great Lakes largely through the ballast water of inbound ships involved in
international commerce. A variety of solutions have been proposed, with some advocating closure
of the St. Lawrence Seaway to international shipping.Historically, it was an important artery linking
grain surplus regions in Canada and the United States with international markets. However, during
the past two decades the Seaway’s role has diminished as a grain transport artery. The objective of
this paper is to develop an increased understanding of this decline and to offer thoughts regarding
the likely reversal of the forces that may have caused it. Analysis indicates declining imports by
selected world regions and domestic transportation legislation is central to the decline.