Since the Seaway opened on June 26th,1959, the environmental and economic damage brought on by opening the Great Lakes to international ships has been significant. These principles address a broad range of environmental impacts including: invasive species, climate change, Seaway expansion, air emissions, ship-borne pollution, ice-breaking, and governance issues. While international vessels have been a focal point for many of the environmental impacts associated with shipping on the Great Lakes, particularly invasive species, the principles also address domestic operations.