CLAYTON, N.Y. -- Fifty years encompassing 50 nations. Two billion tons of cargo worth $300 billion.

From Montreal to Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence Seaway has been a major player in the world's economy. But the 50th anniversary doesn't have everyone in the partying mood.

"As the St. Lawrence Seaway begins their big celebrations they have planned in June and July, we also hope they're taking some time to look back at 50 years of environmental damage that's been caused," Save the River Executive Director Jennifer Caddick said.

Various groups, including Save the River and Great Lakes United, are asking that all shipping on the seaway be done in an alternative way, like barges, until U.S. and Canadian governments come together and implement environmentally safe laws.

They say 185 different invasive species have been found in the system since 1959 with one new one being found every 28 weeks. And damages are costing hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

The groups also see the climate change affecting water levels. Over the next 50 years, they expect lower levels, but have yet to see any vessels adapting.

"From our perspective, the idea that we can physically mold a shallow freshwater ecosystem to fit shippers desires is antiquated," Great Lakes United Campaign Director Jennifer Nalbone said.

The groups are also concerned about the safety aspect of opening the season so early in the year. Unlike most years, ice won't be a problem because it's been gone for a few weeks now. But this year, they point to things like the navigational buoys in Clayton that are still docked instead of out in the water.

Officials with the Seaway System say ballast water inspections and operator compliance drastically increased in 2008 to 99 percent of ships and they are pushing for even more testing in the coming years.

International officials say closing or halting seaway traffic, which has been brought up by some groups, at least in idea form, isn't realistic and won't prevent future invasive species from entering the system.