The United States and Canada have made great progress over the last 50 years in protecting the Great Lakes and supporting a thriving regional economy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency director Michael Regan said in a news release.

"Through our strong partnership with Canada and additional Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we remain committed to safeguarding this shared treasure for present and future generations," Regan said.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada jointly published two reports required under the Agreement: The State of the Great Lakes 2022 Report and the 2022 Progress Report of the Parties.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement was initially signed by the United States and Canada 50 years ago, and it represents an agreement to collaborate in order to restore and safeguard an increasingly valuable resource that both countries share, the news release said.  Since 1972, the Agreement has served as a catalyst for effective regional alliances and cutting-edge strategies for environmental action, according to EPA.

"Protecting the Great Lakes can only be achieved by working together," Stephen Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change said in a statement. "With our American friends and neighbors, we have had incredible success in cleaning up the Great Lakes from pollutants, while reducing farm run-off and protecting species at risk."

However, challenges remain, Guilbeault added.

"This was made possible by concerted action and advocacy, but much yet remains to be done," he said. "As we celebrate 50 years of environmental collaboration for our treasured Great Lakes, the released reports and upcoming Public Forum will help us engage communities and stakeholders on our future priorities."