In 1989, the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit (CFEU or Co-op Unit) was formed as a partnership of Laurentian University, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). On specific projects and programs, the partnership also includes Vale Inco, Xstrata Nickel, and other industries, the City of Greater Sudbury and research collaboration with many other universities and research agencies.
The Co-op Unit is located on a historic site on the shores of Ramsey Lake in Sudbury near the Laurentian University Campus, and is headed by John Gunn (Canada Research Chair, Department of Biology, Laurentian University), Bill Keller (MOE; Department of Biology, Laurentian University) and Tom Johnston (MNR; Department of Biology, Laurentian University).
From an initial focus on restoration ecology of acid and metal damaged waters of northeastern Ontario, the Co-op Unit has broadened its research to address multiple stressors that may affect the health of aquatic ecosystems. These include climate change, invasive species, urban development, trace contaminants, aquaculture, loss of biodiversity and excessive exploitation.