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GLERL/Sea Grant 2005 Monthly Updates Archive

  

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November 18, 2005

Contents:
1. Events
- OH Sea Grant - Conference Announcement: Future of Ohio's Lake Erie Basin: Balancing Land Use and Water Quality
- OH Sea Grant - Clean Marinas Workshops Scheduled
- OH Sea Grant - Steelhead Seminar
2. IL-IN Sea Grant - New Test Makes Tracking Toxic Mercury in Polluted Waters Easier
3. Tidbits
- GLOS
- OH Sea Grant - Coastal Research Advisory Group
- OH Sea Grant - Lake Erie Discussion Board
- MI Sea Grant -Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative
- MI Sea Grant - Lake Sturgeon Exhibit In the Works
- MI Sea Grant - Revised Web Site Released
- MI Sea Grant - Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP) and Summer Discovery Cruises
- MI Sea Grant - Go with the FLOW: Great Lakes science curriculum available online
4. Publications
- MI Sea Grant - Fisheries Reprint
- MN Sea Grant - From Shore to Shore - November-December 2005 - www.shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/index.html
- WI Sea Grant - Earthwatch Radio - http://ewradio.org
5. Staff News
- PA Sea Grant - New Offices
- MI Sea Grant - Outreach Coordinator for Great Lakes & Human Health Center
- PA Sea Grant - New Staff
- IL-IN Sea Grant - Aquaculture Marketing Specialist Joins Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
- MN Sea Grant - Liukkonen receives awards
- MI Sea Grant - Open Position: Extension Program Director & Associate Professor
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Events
OH Sea Grant - Conference Announcement: Future of Ohio's Lake Erie Basin: Balancing Land Use and Water Quality

A conference to explore the effect of land use on Lake Erie - past, present and future - is expected to attract more than 200 planners, public officials, resource managers, building industry professionals (home builders), and scholars on Thursday, December 1, 2005."The Future of Ohio's Lake Erie Basin: Balancing Land Use and Water Quality" conference will examine the land-water connection for the Lake Erie basin as it stretches across northern Ohio. It will be held at the John A. Spitzer Conference Center on the campus of Lorain County Community College in Elyria.

Featured speakers will include:
· Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo), Member of the Appropriations Committee, Agriculture (Invited)
· Dr. Sam Speck, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
· Dennis Eckart, former Member of Congress, Partner, Law Firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP
· Dr. Jeffery M. Reutter , Director, Ohio Sea Grant College Program
· Dr. Elena Irwin, Associate Professor, Agricultural Environmental and Developmental Economics, The Ohio State University.

Presentations will cover an historical retrospective on how agriculture and land development in the basin have affected water quality in Lake Erie; an analysis of federal policy as it has affected the basin; and the Lake Erie Balanced Growth Initiative and other programs that will determine the future of the Lake and its basin.

Conference planners include the Ohio Sea Grant College Program in collaboration with the Ohio Coastal Training Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio State University Extension, Greater Ohio, and the Smart Growth Education Foundation.

To register for the conference, go to www.northcoastbia.com. Cost is $40.00, which includes breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. Deadline to register is November 23, 2005. For More Information Contact: Joe Lucente, 419.213.2028 or lucente.6@osu.edu

OH Sea Grant - Clean Marinas Workshops Scheduled

* December 15, 2005 - Ohio Clean Marinas Program Workshop will be conducted on December 15, 2005 at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd. Bay Village, Ohio 44140. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the workshop conducted from 9:30 until noon.
* January 31, 2006 - Ohio Clean Marinas Program Workshop will be conducted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., with the workshop conducted from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Board Room of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission Office located at One Maritime Plaza in downtown Toledo.
* February 8, 2006 - Ohio Clean Marinas Program Workshop will be conducted on Wednesday, February, 8, 2006 in the Conference Room of the ODNR Office of Coastal Management located at 105 West Shoreline Drive in Sandusky.

Registration will begin 9:30 a.m., with the workshop conducted from 10:00 - 12:30 p.m. Contact Gary Comer or Dave Kelch

OH Sea Grant - Steelhead Seminar
Ohio Sea Grant and the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center in Bay Village, Ohio, will be hosting a steelhead angling seminar.
Date: November 17, 2005
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Place: Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, Ohio 44140
Call Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (440) 871-2900 to register for this seminar. For additional questions, call Kelly Riesen (440) 808-5627.

2. IL-IN Sea Grant - New Test Makes Tracking Toxic Mercury in Polluted Waters Easier
Press Release

Two Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant researchers have applied for a process patent on a mercury analysis technique that will make testing for methylmercury, a highly toxic environmental contaminant, less expensive and much faster. "The main environmental risk to people and wildlife from mercury pollution comes via consuming methylmercury that has accumulated in fish," said Robert Hudson, a University of Illinois environmental chemist.

In fact, fish from 13 lakes in Illinois have tested high enough in methylmercury to cause the Department of Public Health to issue specific fish consumption advisories. All lakes and rivers, however, are subject to a general advisory that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children younger than 15 years old should limit their consumption of predator fish to one meal per week.

According to a 2003 study (Schober, S.E., et al. 2003. JAMA 289:1667-74), 8 percent of women of childbearing age in the United States had mercury levels in their blood above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's reference level, which is set to protect developing fetuses from neurological harm. To date, the number and scope of environmental studies of mercury have been limited due to the extreme cost of the testing. The new test promises to drastically reduce this cost so that scientists can do much more monitoring and design better remediation strategies for contaminated sites. Most mercury finds its way into the atmosphere from human sources, such as coal-fired power plants, metal smelters, and waste incinerators. It is then deposited on land and surface waters in rain. However, not all mercury is equally toxic. Pollution sources mostly emit inorganic forms of mercury, but methylmercury accumulates in fish. Methylmercury is produced from inorganic mercury by naturally occurring bacteria in oxygen-depleted zones of wetlands and river and lake sediments.

"The rate of methylation varies from one sediment or wetland to another, so if we can figure out where rates of methylation are high, cleanup efforts can be directed to where they will have the most impact," said Hudson. An example of such an effort is his lab group's recent study of the highly polluted Grand Calumet watershed at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. In conjunction with this research, a former U of I doctoral student, Chris Shade, and Hudson developed the new testing procedure.

"Although you still have to collect samples carefully and extract minute amounts of mercury from them, our new procedure is much less time consuming and can be automated to make the process of mercury analysis a lot cheaper," said Shade, who is starting Quicksilver Scientific, an analytical laboratory, to offer the methylmercury analysis commercially. Shade says that systematic surveys of methylmercury in lakes and rivers would be less expensive than monitoring fish for the compound. "People would simply avoid fish from high-risk lakes and rivers and consume fish from certified, low methylmercury lakes and rivers instead," he said.

This research was recently published in the October issue of Environmental Science & Technology
Globe iconhttp://pubs.acs.org/journals/esthag/. In addition to Sea Grant, this research was funded by the Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) and the U of I College of ACES.

3. Tidbits
GLOS
Michigan Sea Grant's Steve Stewart participated in the September GLOS Steering Committee conference call as the sole Sea Grant representative. Progress was made on bylaws and initial Board of Director nominations. Complete minutes are on the GLOS website.

OH Sea Grant - Coastal Research Advisory Group
The Directors of the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, the Ohio Coastal Management Program, Old Woman Creek, and the Ohio Lake Erie Office have formed the Coastal Research Advisory Group to help coordinate research on Lake Erie in Ohio.

OH Sea Grant - Lake Erie Discussion Board
The Lake Erie Discussion Board has been Ohio Sea Grant's most often-visited Web site over the past two years and provides anglers, boaters and other Lake Erie enthusiasts a forum for finding fast answers to any question they may have about the lake its resources and management. Because of a change in servers, the discussion board has a new address:
Bird iconhttp://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/discuss/
The board has a new format, offering new and archived topics, an events calendar, and even a survey tool. Be sure to visit us!

MI Sea Grant -Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative
Michigan Sea Grant's Barry Murray participated in planning of Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) session, November 2005. The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and USFWS will be leading this effort with MSG as a partner. MDEQ Director Chester is a guest speaker.

MI Sea Grant - Lake Sturgeon Exhibit In the Works
Michigan Sea Grant's Jennifer Read is working with communications staff at UM and MSU on a lake sturgeon educational exhibit, including a video/kiosk about the artificial reef in the Detroit River, wall panels and a full-scale model of a lake sturgeon. The exhibit will be at the Detroit Science Center in 2006, and a news release about the exhibit is forthcoming.

MI Sea Grant - Revised Web Site Released
See Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu
Key features include:
- Online library with journal articles, research briefs, fact sheets and more, see Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/library
- More information for researchers, see Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/research
- Improved navigation

MI Sea Grant - Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP) and Summer Discovery Cruises
Completed the fall 2005 GLEP season, the 15th year on Lake St. Clair and 8th on the lower Detroit River. Twenty-seven classes participated on the lower Detroit River, with four requiring spring rescheduling due to significant seiche events. Twenty-nine classes were involved on Lake St. Clair. A total of 1960 students, teachers and adult chaperones participated. Program evaluations involving teachers and adult chaperones were conducted and mail returns are still being received.

Michigan Sea Grant's Steve Stewart met with Detroit area Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority partners to review the 2005 Summer Discovery Cruise season and plan for 2006. Evaluation results were outstanding - a mean Overall Experience rating of 3.94 on a 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent) scale (N=684). HCMA wants to increase the 2006 SDC season by one week on Lake St. Clair, which will expand the total to five weeks.

MI Sea Grant - Go with the FLOW: Great Lakes science curriculum available online
Teaching young people about the Great Lakes just a got a little easier. Educators can now access a comprehensive online curriculum covering everything from the Great Lakes aquatic food web to wetlands and fisheries.

The dynamic lessons are part of Fisheries Learning On the Web, Project FLOW, developed by the Michigan Sea Grant at the University of Michigan. Project FLOW lessons are geared toward educators who teach upper elementary and middle school students. Each lesson features a hands-on classroom activity. "I've been using some of the Project FLOW lessons on food chains, food webs and exotic species this fall with my 7th graders," said David Huntington of Mackinaw City Schools. "The students have a great time. These lessons make teaching this material easy, fun, and engaging. Students teach each other throughout the lessons..."

See the complete news release online at Bird iconhttp://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2005/Nov05/r111005
See Fisheries Learning on the Web: Bird iconhttp://www.projectflow.us

4. Publications
MI Sea Grant - Fisheries Reprint
Kevin L. Pangle, Trent M. Sutton, Ronald E. Kinnunen, and Michael H. Hoff. 2005. Effects of Body Size, Condition, and Lipid Content on the Survival of Juvenile Lake Herring During Rapid Cooling Events. J. Great Lakes Res. 31:360 - 366, Internat. Assoc. Great Lakes Res.

MN Sea Grant - From Shore to Shore - November-December 2005
Bird iconwww.shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/index.html

. Master Gardener State Conference
. Rush Lake Erosion Research (part 1 of 2)
. Protect Your Septic System From Freezing
. The Creepy-Crawlies of Lakes and Rivers: The Importance of What Lies Beneath the Water's Surface

WI Sea Grant - Earthwatch Radio - Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org
podcast: Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org/podcast/current/index.aspx
RSS feed: Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org/rss/

  • Toxic Gold Rush -- Mercury can be a convenient tool for people who mine for gold but the toxic metal puts their lives at risk. (11/14/2005)
  • Handheld Hazards -- Cell phones might be safe for people to use but when they become obsolete, they give rise to problems with safe disposal. (11/15/2005)
  • Gas Pressure -- Rising demand for natural gas is driving a drilling boom in the American West. (11/16/2005)
  • An Evolving Climate Picture -- A New York Times reporter has covered climate change for 20 years, and he sees changes in our understanding of the phenomenon. (11/17/2005)
  • The Price of a Mercury Mine -- Problems with public health are the heritage of a mercury mine in Eastern Europe. (11/18/2005)
    Exotic Eating -- An ecologist offers a recipe for fighting invasive species: serve them for dinner. (11/7/2005)
  • Nuclear Future -- Renewed interest in nuclear power could affect people who live near uranium mines. (11/8/2005)
  • Fewer Frosty Mornings -- A warmer world in the future won't have many nights with freezing temperatures. (11/9/2005)
  • Curbing the Cat Population -- Millions of housecats are on the loose outside, and their natural instinct to hunt puts a lot of birds at risk. (11/10/2005)
  • Refugee Crisis -- A new United Nations report warns that millions of people will be forced into exile by a deteriorating environment. (11/11/2005)
  • Pay It Backward -- More than 30 countries now require manufacturers to take responsibility for the packaging they use for their products. (10/31/2005)
  • Unprecedented Melting of Ice -- Ice has covered the Arctic Ocean for millions of years, but it is disappearing now with unprecedented speed. (11/1/2005)
  • The Flu and You -- The influenza virus affects animals as well as people, and the mobility of the virus is a constant threat to public health. (11/2/2005)
  • Act Under Attack -- A leading ecologist warns that changes to the Endangered Species Act could leave some rare plants and animals poorly protected. (11/3/2005)
  • At the Mercy of the River -- A new book describes an excursion into one of the world's wildest and most dangerous places. (11/4/2005)
  • Basement Sealing -- Advice on how to protect your home from a radioactive gas that poses a health threat. (10/24/2005)
  • Taking the LEED -- A building industry group has developed green standards for new construction, and they're catching on. (10/25/2005)
  • Sea Lamprey Resurgence -- A parasitic creature that has infested the Great Lakes for generations seems to be on the rebound. (10/26/2005)
  • Ban on Bottom Trawling -- A lot of the ocean floor of the U.S. Pacific coast will be closed to some forms of trawling to protect bottom dwelling organisms. (10/27/2005)
  • The American Way? -- A new book contends that the U.S. economy is easier on the environment than most others. (10/28/2005)

5. Staff News
PA Sea Grant - New Offices
The Erie offices of Pennsylvania Sea Grant have moved to their new location at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) at Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Please address correspondence to:
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 3
Erie, Pa 16505

New phone #'s are as follows:

Eric Obert, Extension Director (814) 217-9018
Anne Danielski, Coastal Education and Maritime Specialist (814) 217-9019
Sean Rafferty, Lake Erie Coastal Outreach Specialist (814) 217-9013
Dave Skellie, Coastal Land Use and Economic Specialist (814) 217-9014
Marti Martz, Coastal Outreach Specialist (814) 217-9015
Fax (814) 217-9021
E-mail addresses remain the same.

MI Sea Grant - Outreach Coordinator for Great Lakes & Human Health Center

Sonia T. Joseph has been appointed Sea Grant Extension educator and outreach coordinator for the NOAA Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health in Ann Arbor. Her primary responsibilities will be managing stakeholder involvement with the center's activities and broadening existing relationships within and through Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and the Great Lakes Human Health Network. The NOAA Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health (CEGLHH) is a multi-disciplinary research center which focuses on understanding the inter-relationships between the Great Lakes ecosystem, water quality and human health. The center uses ecosystem forecasting to minimize risks to human health in coastal environments.

Joseph has served as environmental health assistant in the Ingham County (Michigan) Health Department and has taught environmental science at Lansing Community College. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Lake Superior State University and a M.S. in Human Dimensions of Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University.

Joseph started November 1 and is located at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at sonia.joseph@noaa.gov or (734) 741-2283.

PA Sea Grant - New Staff

Marti Martz has joined the Erie office staff effective August 1, 2005 as a Coastal Outreach Specialist. Marti worked as a Sea Grant student intern at the Erie office while getting her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at Edinboro University. Marti is a Master Gardener and worked as an intern for Presque Isle State Park where she helped develop an invasive plant control program for the Park.

As a coastal specialist Marti will take on a number of tasks that include part time communicator, acting as a liaison between Sea Grant and the Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, assisting DCNR staff on projects such as aquaponics and the natural history collections at the TREC, working with Mercyhurst College staff on the publication of a 'suggested plant' manual for bluff front property owners and assisting Sea Grant's education specialist with coordination and facilitation of the Great Lakes Center for Science Education Excellence (COSEE) project.

IL-IN Sea Grant - Aquaculture Marketing Specialist Joins Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Dr. Kwamena Quagrainie holds a joint appointment in Agricultural Economics and Forestry and Natural Resources. He received his B.S. from the University of Science and Technology, Ghana, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Alberta, Canada. He held an assistant professor of aquaculture marketing position at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff from 2001 until 2005.

Dr. Quagrainie will be working with the aquaculture industries in Illinois and Indiana, aquaculture producers, aquaculture associations, distributors, restaurants, retail outlets, and consumers to develop viable markets for Indiana and Illinois farm-raised aquaculture products. His research interests lie in the areas of market analysis, market definition, facilitating the development of distribution and market structures, identification of value-added opportunities for aquaculture products and feeds, and development of enterprise budgets.

Dr. Quagrainie's primary Extension responsibilities will focus on providing assistance to aquaculture producers in pursuing and realizing economic and market development opportunities. He will also provide training and educational materials for farmers and Extension Educators in the farm business management area of enterprise budgets.

Dr. Quagrainie is a member of USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) Aquatic Species Task Force - Aquaculture Working Group and also as a member of USAID's Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program (ACRSP) Technical Committee (Social and Economic Aspects).

Kwamena K. Quagrainie, Ph.D.,
Aquaculture Marketing Specialist,
Dept. of Agricultural Economics,
Purdue University,
403 W. State St., Krannert Building
W. Lafayette, IN 47907-2056
Tel: (765) 494 4200
Fax: (765) 494 9176

MN Sea Grant - Liukkonen receives awards
Barbara Liukkonen, water resources education coordinator for Minnesota Sea Grant, was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The award was presented at the annual extension service meeting held during October in Brooklyn Center, Minn.

At the same meeting Liukkonen and Eleanor Burkett of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, received the 2005 Excellence in Educational Materials award from the Minnesota Community and Natural Resources Association for materials they produced to educate Minnesota water gardeners and nursery professionals about the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species.

MI Sea Grant - Open Position: Extension Program Director & Associate Professor
See position description (PDF) Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/downloads/misc/MSG-Extension-leader.pdf

return to the top

October 19, 2005

Contents
1. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE - IISG AIS
2. IISG - Educational Web Site Tackles AIS Crime Wave
3. MN Sea Grant - Aquarium Outcast Found in Minnesota
4. PA Sea Grant - Sediment Sampling of Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern
5. II Sea Grant - Fish School Reaches New Audiences about PCB, Mercury Health Concerns
6. WI Sea Grant - Septic System Study Checks for Antibacterial Resistance in Groundwater
7. OH Sea Grant - New Aquaculture Center Will Conduct Baitfish Research
8. OH Sea Grant - Nine Lake Erie Marinas to Receive Ohio Clean Marinas Certification
9. Seaway Trail Receives National Scenic Byways Designation
10. OH Sea Grant - Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail Becomes an America's Byway
11. Events
- New York Sea Grant - Identifying Uncertainties in Great Lakes Fisheries Management
- OH Sea Grant - Balancing Land Use and Water Quality

12. Publications
- NY Sea Grant - New Publications and Reprints
- NY Sea Grant - Aquatic Invaders!
- WI Sea Grant - Aquatic Sciences Chronicle - Fall 2005 - Bird iconwww.aqua.wisc.edu/chronicle
- MN Sea Grant - From Shore to Shore - September-October 2005 - Bird icon www.shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/index.html
- MN Sea Grant - Seiche - October - Bird iconhttp://www.seagrant.umn.edu/seiche/
- MI Sea Grant - Upwellings - September 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/upwellings/index.html
- OH Sea Grant - Twine Line - Spring 2005 - http://www.sg.ohio-state.edu/PUBLICATIONS/TWINELINE/INDEX.HTM
- NY Sea Grant - Coastlines - Fall 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/Pages/Coastlines/Fall05.pdf
- WI Sea Grant - Earthwatch Radio
- http://ewradio.org
13. Staff News
- MN Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Director of the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program
- MI Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Director, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Program; Associate Professor/Professor
- MN Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Sea Grant Maritime Extension Educator
- OH Sea Grant - New Ohio Clean Marinas Program Coordinator

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE - IISG AIS

I want to encourage everyone at the lab who works on invasive species projects - PI's, technical staff, and CILER to help out with this web-based education initiative. To my knowledge, the 'Nab the Aquatic Invader' site is NOAA's only comprehensive on-line educational resource portal for K-12 educators and students. Participation at this level (Meet the Scientists) requires very little effort on your part but can mean a lot in terms of letting kids see the people behind the science.

Would you be interested in participating in our "Meet the Scientists" page <Bird iconhttp://www.sgnis.org/kids/meet_scientists.html> on the Web site, Nab the Aquatic Invader! Be a Sea Grant Sleuth? <Bird iconhttp://www.sgnis.org/kids/>.

In that section, we ask invasive species experts to answer 3 short questions. We will only post answers to your responses, not your e-mail address. We hope you will participate, as your work is so interesting, and will be informative for students. If so, please e-mail your responses back to the following questions to Robin Goettel.

1. How did you get interested in your field?

2. What do you do?

3. What do you like about your job?

We will then contact you to let you know when it is posted. Thank you--I look forward to your response.

2. IISG - Educational Web Site Tackles AIS Crime Wave
Excerpt from Press Release

Nab the Aquatic Invader! Be a Sea Grant Super Sleuth is a new educational Web site created by several Great Lakes Sea Grant programs that provides the latest information about aquatic invasive species (AIS) through colorful characters and a crime-solving theme. "In addition to being clever and fun, the site is rich with curriculum for teachers and creative educational activities for students and other online audiences," said Robin Goettel, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) education specialist. "In creating this site, our goal was bridging the knowledge gap, connecting the abundant information available on AIS with teachers and students, and presenting it in an exciting and understandable way," said Helen Domske, New York Sea Grant education specialist. The site is part of the Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species Web site, which contains a wealth of AIS information.

The Web site homepage (Bird iconhttp://www.sgnis.org/kids) introduces student investigators to five detectives, each focused on specific aspects of AIS criminal cases. For example, Detective Ecofriend is an expert on the environmental effects of AIS, while Detective Dollars and Sense investigates the economic impacts of these invaders. Each character is a fun and colorful cartoon.

The Meet the Suspects page illustrates the 10 Most Wanted, a variety of cartoon-like criminals, including Zeke "the Prowler" Zebra Mussel, Purple "Lucky" Loosestrife and Gabby "the Lowlife" Round Goby. Each suspect has been interrogated, and the transcripts provide student investigators with critical information for solving these cases. Crime solving involves taking part in quizzes, games, and other brain teasers that test the student investigator's knowledge about invasive species and their impacts.

The site, which has been pilot-tested, contains a wealth of background information on AIS for teachers and students in the form of Web links. "Resources for teachers on this site are just about countless," said Goettel. "They can find links to curriculum, videos, CDs, fact sheets, books, maps, posters, and more. These resources can complement a teacher's existing curriculum, for example, the subject of aquatic invasions fits in nicely with studies on habitats and ecosystems."

On the Kids' Secret Headquarters page, the site provides opportunities for interacting with scientists, displaying student-created projects, solving riddles and learning the latest invader news. "The site is designed to be very interactive with opportunities to strengthen and apply new knowledge, ask questions and share creativity," said Angela Archer, IISG Web specialist.

"We now have funding from the National Sea Grant College Program to expand the site and provide a broader perspective by adding invasive species from waters beyond the Great Lakes," said Domske. "Sea Grant programs in Oregon, Connecticut, and Louisiana will be adding marine invaders to the list of suspects. We will also enhance the educational content and incorporate more teacher-tested activities."

Teachers who would like to learn more about the Web site and the issues of AIS can attend a free Sea Grant workshop on October 27 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. The workshop, which runs from 1:00-5:30 p.m., will cover the Web site basics, as well as how teachers can apply the activities to their current curriculum and help develop new activities for the site. For more information, contact Terri Hallesy at (217)244-8809 or thallesy@uiuc.edu. To see the workshop flyer, visit
Bird iconhttp://www.sgnis.org/kids/NAIflyer0720-FINALpdf.pdf.

Until October 31, teachers are eligible to win prizes that include classroom supplies, books and education kits donated by several school supply companies and Sea Grant programs, by submitting their comments about the Web site. Visit
Bird iconhttp://www.sgnis.org/kids/contest.htm to find an entry form.

3. MN Sea Grant - Aquarium Outcast Found in Minnesota
Excerpt from Press Release

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel netted a surprise during a routine fisheries census of Caribou Lake, near Duluth. "We were completely startled," said John Meerbeek, one of two DNR employees who netted a Lima Shovelnose Catfish in July. "Even before we untangled it, we could tell it wasn't native. We figured it was an aquarium fish from the Ictaluridae (catfish) family." The fish, dubbed "Snidely" (after Snidely Whiplash of Dudley Do-Right fame) by Doug Jensen, Minnesota Sea Grant's aquatic invasive species program coordinator, is an Amazon River native. After being held at the French River Hatchery, Snidely died a few days later. The fish now rests preserved in a jar on Jensen's desk, part of Jensen's educational arsenal of preserved invaders.

Citizens can help by taking these actions when they have an unwanted aquarium animal or plant:

- Contact a retailer for proper handling advice or for possible returns
- Give/trade with another aquarist, pond owner, or water gardener
- Donate to a local aquarium society, school, or aquatic business
- Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and dispose in the trash
- Contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for humane disposal guidance
- Know state regulations regarding these alternatives

"If the hobbyist who released Snidely would have known about these alternatives, the fish might still be alive for others to enjoy," said Jensen. The actions were developed for HabitattitudeTM, a national public awareness campaign aimed at preventing the release of unwanted aquarium fish and plants into lakes and oceans by aquarists and water gardeners. Jensen has been co-leading the campaign with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA's Great Lake Sea Grant Network. Brian Mattson, owner of Superior Aquarium in Superior, Wis., is a HabitattitudeTM partner. He joined because, "It's something we do anyway. It seemed like a good idea to reiterate to people not to release fish into ponds and lakes," Mattson said. He said that customer response has been positive. They often call his store before disposing of a fish or plant to be sure it's done properly. "We actually take a few fish back and try to find them other homes," Mattson said.

For more information about aquatic invasive species, how your organization can join HabitattitudeTM, or how you can get involved with Invasive Species Month events, contact Doug Jensen at (218) 726-8712.

4. PA Sea Grant - Sediment Sampling of Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern

PA Sea Grant just completed an extensive sediment sampling program on Presque Isle Bay, Area of Concern. PASG received a grant from EPA to coordinate the study with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protectiona and the Presque Isle Bay Advisory Committee. Prior to the sampling PASG convened a panel of national sediment experts and held two workshops to devise a sampling and monitoring plan for Presque Isle Bay. Sampling of sediments was conducted from September 12-16. Sediment cores were collected by the EPA vessel the mudpuppy. Surficial samples were collected by Gannon University's ship the Enviornaut. All the samples were processed at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and sent to several laboratories for analysis. The results of the study will be used for possible delisting of Presque Isle Bay as an Area of Concern.

5. II Sea Grant - Fish School Reaches New Audiences about PCB, Mercury Health Concerns
Excerpt from NOAA Research Spotlight article by Irene Miles
Bird iconhttp://www.oar.noaa.gov/spotlite/

Fish provide key nutrients for growing young minds and healthy bodies of all ages, but some are contaminated with pollutants that can have serious health effects, particularly on babies and children. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) has made it a priority to inform critical audiences about eating fish wisely.

A new education program in southern Lake Michigan communities, Fish School: Taking Stock of Risks and Benefits, involves scientists, nutritional experts, Extension educators, teachers, and students in an effort to raise awareness in those who need it the most--women in their child-bearing years and families who fish for their food.

In May, 13 middle and high school teachers in the Chicago region learned about contaminants directly from scientists and worked with University of Illinois and Purdue University Extension educators to develop teaching programs and plan health expos. "Students are our future consumers and decision-makers," said Robin Goettel, IISG communications coordinator and education specialist. "They also provide a unique way to connect with communities about the benefits and risks of fish consumption."

Shara Fata, a teacher at Kilmer Elementary on the north side of Chicago recruited several educators from her school to attend the workshop. "Our school sits two blocks from Lake Michigan. We see people fishing there all the time, so this information is really relevant here. We are planning a team effort to teach the students--through art, science, health classes and more."

As part of the Fish School program, students will design posters, exhibits or other creative projects that will be on display at school and community events. Fata is planning a school expo and is talking with the Peggy Notebeart Nature Museum to hold a community wide event that will display student projects on the risks and benefits of fish consumption. "This program will touch the lives of the 1,000 children in our school as well as the larger community," said Fata.

Fish School is a partnership of IISG and the Illinois Science Teachers Association, Building a Presence for Science Program, with funding from U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office.

With support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, IISG and Extension are also using more traditional means to reach out to underserved populations, through workshops that explain the latest fish consumption advisory information directly to local populations. The workshops can be presented in English, Spanish, Polish, or Chinese, depending on the audience.

As part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Chicago (EFNEP), Extension staff members have thus far held about 10 sessions, providing information on mercury and PCB concerns. EFNEP is designed for families of limited resources, annually reaching out to more than 3,300 adults. Some participants in these workshops, which have included immigrants from Mexico and Asia, are learning for the first time about health problems related to mercury levels in fish.

Flip charts created for these workshops, as well as several brochures, including The ABCs of PCBs and Contaminants in Fish and Seafood: A Guide to Safe Consumption (both provide text in several languages) can be found at
Bird iconwww.iisgcp.org/products/free.htm.

6. WI Sea Grant - Septic System Study Checks for Antibacterial Resistance in Groundwater
Excerpt from press release

A new housing development in Sun Prairie is giving UW-Madison researchers an opportunity to see whether septic systems cause bacteria in groundwater to become resistant to antibiotics, potentially creating a source of antibiotic resistance that could ultimately reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics for human use.

The researchers are using new DNA detection technology to test groundwater before and after the houses are built. Any DNA associated with antimicrobial resistance that the researchers detect before the houses go in must come from other sources, such as naturally-occurring bacteria or those in runoff from agricultural lands, according to Trina McMahon, an environmental engineering professor and chief scientist on the project.

However, if the researchers find more kinds or amounts of DNA from antibiotic-resistant bacteria after the septic systems are in use, that would indicate a contribution from the septic systems, McMahon said. Septic systems are not generally considered to contribute significantly to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in groundwater, she added, but it is important to verify current understanding.

"Regulatory agencies may be going after all sorts of water dischargers. If human use and wastewater are insignificant sources of the problem, then we should know that," McMahon said.

The project is one of eight new projects related to drinking water, groundwater and surface water recently funded by the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI). Research supported by WRI currently involves more than 60 faculty, staff and students from University of Wisconsin campuses in Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Stevens Point; the University of Wisconsin-Extension; researchers from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The institute also provides technology transfer through its Web site, publications and conferences.

The eight new projects and three continuing projects are financed with funds from WRI's Groundwater Research Program. The Program is a UW-System program administered by WRI. It receives nearly $300,000 from the System annually to support research and monitoring projects throughout the state.

7. OH Sea Grant - New Aquaculture Center Will Conduct Baitfish Research

The Ohio Center for Aquaculture Development in Piketon is expanding into the northwest corner of Ohio. Responding to a need for enhanced aquaculture research and support in the northern area of the state, a new Bowling Green Aquaculture Satellite Center opened its doors recently. The new Center will focus on research and extension initiatives involving recirculation aquaculture and developing the baitfish industry in Ohio. Aquaculture in Ohio Visitors will be able to see a variety of commercial scale recirculation systems at the Center, located in the Hirzel Agriculture Incubator in Bowling Green. Initial work with a baitfish species not currently used in aquaculture, the spotfin shiner, is planned for this winter.

8. OH Sea Grant - Nine Lake Erie Marinas to Receive Ohio Clean Marinas Certification
Excerpt from Press Release

Nine Lake Erie marinas will officially become Ohio's first Clean Marinas in a dedication ceremony at Spitzers Lakeside Marina, Lorain, Ohio on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. Beaver Park North, Beaver Park Marina, Cedar Point Marina, Edgewater Yacht Club, Marina Del Isle, Middle Bass Island Yacht Club, Sandusky Yacht Club, Spitzer HarborWalk & Rack Storage, and Spitzer Lakeside Marina have voluntarily met pollution control standards set by program's main administors, Ohio Sea Grant, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and the Lake Erie Marine Trades Assocation. Spitzer Lakeside Marina will also receive the honor of being the first marina to be certified as an Ohio Clean Marina.

Launched in 2004 with grant funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and administered through Ohio Sea Grant and ODNR's Office of Coastal Management, Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership designed to encourage marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio's coastal and inland waterways clean. The primary goal of the program is to promote environmental stewardship by encouraging marinas and boaters to adopt a series of best management practices that protect the Lake Erie ecosystem.

Certified Clean Marinas will receive official signs and flags bearing the Ohio Clean Marina logo to post at their marinas. "When boaters see the Clean Marinas flag flying at their marina, they can be assured that their marinas are doing their part to keep Lake Erie clean," said Comer.

For more information on the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, visit the Internet web site at Bird iconwww.ohiocleanmarina.osu.edu.

9. Seaway Trail Receives National Scenic Byways Designation

Representatives from the Seaway Trail Steering Committee traveled to Washington DC on September 21-22 to take place in a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) ceremony announcing that the Seaway Trail has been designated a National Scenic Byway. The Seaway Trail PA is the only Pennsylvania Byway receiving the national designation this year. In fact, Pennsylvania's Seaway Trail is only the second Byway in the Commonwealth to have received national designation.

As part of the National Scenic Byway application process, the Seaway Trail Steering Committee completed a County of Erie-sponsored Corridor Management Plan (CMP) in March 2005. The Steering Committee is comprised of 20 individuals. PA Sea Grant staff chaired this planning effort and cooperated closely with the Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Erie County Department of Planning, PennDOT, and Seaway Trail, Inc. (NY). The official byways status is determined by the FHWA, who evaluated 57 applicants and approved 45 new byways. There are now 125 byways having this national recognition.

The benefits of National Scenic Byways designation include:

  • Increased funding opportunities & inclusion in FHWA marketing programs
  • National & international exposure as part of the great America's Byways collection of"distinct and diverse roads designated by the Secretary of Transportation"
  • Increasing tourism traffic and economic development potential for the region
  • The ability to tie into more programs with Seaway Trail NY.

Pennsylvania's 64 miles of the Seaway Trail extends the already existing 454 mile trail in New York State. In addition, another byway, the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, was also approved, making the length of the three trails a total of 811 miles. These trails parallel the south shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River from Toledo, OH to Rooseveltown, NY.

Pennsylvania's Seaway Trail begins on Route 20 at the Ohio line, and then follows Routes 5 and 5A including the Presque Isle loop road and the Bayfront Parkway before connecting with New York's Seaway Trail.

10. OH Sea Grant - Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail Becomes an America's Byway
The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail is now an America's Byway, designated by the Federal Highway Administration. The announcement was made in September by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta in Washington, D.C. Attending the celebration were Melinda Huntley, executive director of Lake Erie Coastal Ohio; Frank Lichtkoppler, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Byways Chairman and an Ohio Sea Grant Extension Specialist; and Paul Staley, ODOT Scenic Byways Section Chief. The America's Byways program, formerly known as the National Scenic Byways Program, honors a unique collection of American roads, their stories, and treasured places. The mission of the program is to provide resources to the byway community in creating a unique travel experience and enhanced local quality of life through efforts to preserve, protect, interpret and promote their special features. In order to achieve America's Byways designation, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio had to complete a nomination form and develop a Corridor Management Plan that demonstrates the importance and integrity of our region's intrinsic qualities - natural, historical, recreational, cultural, archaeological and scenic. Over the last three years, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio has conducted a resource inventory, developed a management plan with stakeholder input, and begun creation of interpretive themes. With these tools at our disposal, the program was able to clearly state the region's natural, historical and recreational qualities in order to achieve this important designation.

11. Events
New York Sea Grant - Identifying Uncertainties in Great Lakes Fisheries Management
Press Advisory

With funding from the New York Great Lakes Protection Fund, New York Sea Grant has organized a technical workshop on the tools for addressing uncertainty in fisheries management. NYSG welcomes those with interest in Great Lakes fisheries research and management to attend this unique and needed forum scheduled for October 24th, 2005 at the Carrier Circle Holiday Inn in Syracuse, NY. For details, see the event's agenda found at <Bird iconwww.seagrant.sunysb.edu/Pages/GLFisheriesWkshp1005.pdf>.

"This workshop will provide a unique opportunity to discuss with renowned academics and managers from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources about the importance of quantifying the uncertainties in the information used in the regular business of these stakeholders," says NYSG's Fisheries Specialist Dave Mac Neill. "We'll also show attendees how to communicate these uncertainties as measures of risk, internally and to the general public." New York Sea Grant's Director, Dr. Jack Mattice, will give opening remarks.

This "toolbox approach" workshop includes an introductory"Uncertainty and Decision Making 101" session demonstrating how to communicate risk using case studies of stocking rates with respect to alewife risk, uncertainties associated with unbalanced predator or prey communities, and a lake whitefish allocation issue from Lake Ontario.

The workshop, Identifying Uncertainties in Great Lakes Fisheries Management, is targeted to decision makers, communications specialists, and others who provide information for Lake Ontario managers.

OH Sea Grant - Balancing Land Use and Water Quality
The Ohio Sea Grant College Program, in collaboration with the Ohio Coastal Training Program, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio State University Extension, Greater Ohio, and the Smart Growth Education Foundation is offering a one-day conference on December 1, 2005 entitled"The Future of Ohio's Lake Erie Basin: Balancing Land Use and Water Quality". Land use and economic activity in northern Ohio have always been inextricably linked to Lake Erie. In turn, the ecology of Lake Erie is directly impacted by the many human uses of the lake, including boating, fishing, drinking water and transportation. Indirect impacts include a variety of land use activities that range from farming to suburban sprawl to coastline development. Explore central issues from plenary speakers and a wide variety of breakout sessions that address problems and offer solutions to balancing the land/water connection. To register and view agenda, please go to: Bird iconhttp://www.northcoastbia.com.

For more information, please contact Joe Lucente.

12. Publications
NY Sea Grant - New Publications and Reprints
Please send requests for the following publications to:New York Sea Grant Communications, 121 Discovery Hall, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001/631.632.9124

  • Establishing Local Authority for Stormwater Management.New York Sea Grant NEMO Program. 2005. Fact Sheet.
  • Impacts of Development on Waterways: Linking Land Use to Water Quality. New York Sea Grant NEMO Program. 2004. Fact Sheet.
  • The Nissequogue River: A River of Special Significance. New York Sea Grant NEMO Program. 2003. Fact Sheet.
  • A Technical Review of the Lake Ontario Forage Base Assessment Program. D. MacNeill. 2005. Available in PDF format at www.nyseagrant.org/fish/forageassess05.pdf
  • Bioconcentration of inorganic and organic thallium by freshwater phytoplankton. 2004. M.R. Twiss, B.S. Twining, and N.S. Fisher. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23(4): 968-973.
  • Comparative toxicity of thallium(I), thallium(III), and cadmium(II) to the unicellular alga Chlorella isolated from Lake Erie. 2002. L. Ralph, and M.R. Twiss. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 68(2): 261-268.
  • Linking phytoplankton community composition with juvenile-phase growth in the northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria (L). 2005. D.I. Greenfield, D.J. Lonsdale, and R.M. Cerrato. Estuaries 28(2): 241-251.
  • Oxidation of Thallium by Freshwater Plankton Communities. 2003. B.S. Twining, M.R. Twiss, and N.S. Fisher. Environmental Science & Technology 37(12): 2720-2726.
  • Partitioning of dissolved thallium by seston in Lakes Erie and Ontario. 2003. M.R. Twiss, B.S. Twining, and N.S. Fisher. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 60(11): 1369-1375.
  • Trophic transfer of trace metals from protozoa mesozooplankton. 2004. B.S. Twining, and N.S. Fisher. Limnology and Oceanography 49(1): 28-39.

NY Sea Grant - Aquatic Invaders!

The April-June issue of Aquatic Invaders (Volume 16 No 2) is available. This issue's featured articles are:

  • Reciprocal Caulerpa Invasion: Mediterranean native Caulerpa ollivieri in the Bahamas supported by human nitrogen enrichment. Lapointe BE, Barile PJ, Wynne MJ, Yentsch CS.
  • Invasive Species in FishBase. Casal CMV.
  • Ballast Water Exchange: Exploring the Feasibility of Alternate Ballast Water Exchange Zones in the North Atlantic: Summary of a workshop held, October 27 and 28, 2003. Pederson J.

The July-September issue of Aquatic Invaders (Volume 16 No 3) is at the printers. This issue's featured articles include:

  • Evaluation of Different Biocides for Potential Use in Treating Overseas Unballasted Vessels Entering the Great Lakes, Sano LL, Landrum PF
  • Investigation of the Need and Options for an Exotic Species Barrier on the Champlain Canal, Marsden JE, Malchoff M, Hauser M

Features in every issue include:

  • Web Watch - New links from the Clearinghouse Links page
  • What's New - Newly acquired papers in the Clearinghouse Collection
  • Annotations of articles from the collection
  • Announcements

The National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse quarterly digest,"Aquatic Invaders," publishes papers on research and policy initiatives relating to all types of freshwater, estuarine, and marine aquatic invasive and nuisance species issues. The digest is published quarterly, and is aimed at a technically literate audience, researchers, resource managers, utility managers, and policy makers. We welcome submissions. Please contact Diane Oleson for details

WI Sea Grant - Aquatic Sciences Chronicle - Fall 2005 - Bird icon www.aqua.wisc.edu/chronicle

  • Scientists Launch Mercury Mission. Objectve: Capture state of the science at 2006 conference - More than 40 of the world's leading mercury researchers recently gathered in Madison to provide sound science to policymakers.
  • The Ultimate Test Tube: Landmark mercury pollution study sited at pristine lake - An international group of researchers is performing a unique experiment on a remote lake in Ontario.
  • Students to Compete in Lake Sturgeon Bowl: Contest of aquatic knowledge to be held March 4, 2006, at UW-Milwaukee - Up to twenty Wisconsin high school teams are eligible to compete for an all-expenses-paid opportunity to represent the region at the national Ocean Sciences Bowl finals.
  • Generations Go Back to School: Grandparents, grandchildren learn limnology - This summer, UW Sea Grant and the UW Center for Limnology helped prove you're never too old-or too young-to learn something new.
  • Education News: Prahl Awarded Weston Fellowship -Lili K. Prahl has been awarded the Carl J. Weston Memorial Fellowship.
  • Know Your Water Lab: Great Lakes WATER Institute - Conducting research, education, and outreach from its 10-acre dockside site in the port of Milwaukee, the Great Lakes WATER Institute aims to understand thoroughly the Great Lakes and other aquatic and environmental resources of local to international importance.
  • Wisconsin's Water Library: Frogs Hop into Latest Reading Hour - Children at the Allied Drive Learning Center on Madison's south side were recently treated to an afternoon of books, music, crafts, and treats through a University of Wisconsin - Madison library outreach program.
  • Featured Web Site: CoastWatch - Wisconsin anglers, as well as students in the classroom, now have access to the latest available Great Lakes surface water temperature information via the Web.
  • People News: Floating Kiosk, Sunken Ships Win Awards - Wisconsin Sea Grant won two first-place awards in the communications contest at Sea Grant Week, a meeting for the country's 30 Sea Grant programs, June 3-8, in Camden-Rockport, Maine.

MN Sea Grant - From Shore to Shore - September-October 2005 - Bird iconwww.shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/index.html

This issue includes the following articles:

  • Introduction of new staff
  • Water Gardeners and Shoreland Owners Concerned About Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Controlling Reed Canary Grass in Wetland Restorations
  • Toxic Algae: When in Doubt, Keep Out!

MN Sea Grant - Seiche - October - Bird iconhttp://www.seagrant.umn.edu/seiche/

  • Outcast! - How did an Amazon River fish end up in a Minnesota lake? Read the saga and learn about what you can do during Minnesota's Invasive Species month.
  • Germ Hunters Go to Prison -Find out what researchers learned about bacteria and virus survival in alternative wastewater treatment systems.
  • All Plankton Great and Small -Lake Superior's zooplankton community has changed in the last 30 years and the lake's exceedingly small plankton is unique among the Great Lakes.

MI Sea Grant - Upwellings - September 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/upwellings/index.html

  • Editorial: A Holistic Approach
  • Improving Environmental Decision-Making through Integrated Assessment
  • Integrated Assessment Workshop
  • Online Lessons Bring Great Lakes Education into the Classroom
  • Up and Running: Northwest Michigan Buoy Data Now Available
  • Voyage of Discovery

OH Sea Grant - Twine Line - Spring 2005 - http://www.sg.ohio-state.edu/PUBLICATIONS/TWINELINE/INDEX.HTM

  • The Teacher of Teachers (Goodbye to Roseanne Fortner)
  • The Relatives that Won't Leave (Phragmites)
  • Stone Lab Supports Ohio Teachers
  • Food: Knots in the Web, Kinks in the Chain
  • Lake Erie Coastal Ohio, Inc
  • A Warm Winter Reception
  • FOSL
  • REUs: A New Program at Stone Laboratory

NY Sea Grant - Coastlines - Fall 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/Pages/Coastlines/Fall05.pdf

  • Emerging Pathways (Thallium)
  • On the Right Path (Reader Survey)
  • Brown Tide: The Final Chapter
  • CoastWatch: The Next Phase (NEMO)
  • A is for Aquatic (Scholars, Fellows and Students)
  • Taking Stock of Storm Barrier Research
  • Packets Prompt Citizens to Save Dunes
  • Annual Report

WI Sea Grant - Earthwatch Radio - Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org

  • Mostly Melting in Antarctica -- Glaciers across a big part of Antarctic Peninsula appear to be melting away according to a long-term collection of aerial photos and satellite images. (9/19/2005)
  • Pharmaceuticals in Fish -- A very small dose of common medications can be hard on freshwater fish. (9/20/2005)
  • Hesitant about Hydrogen -- An energy expert argues against hydrogen as the transportation fuel of the future. He says there's a better, cheaper alternative. (9/21/2005)
  • Act Locally, Impact Globally -- Clearing a forest or building a shopping mall might seem like local matters, but these actions add up to affect the whole planet, according to a new study. (9/22/2005)
  • The Domino Effect -- Scientists analyze a chain of events in the Caribbean that leaves coral reefs covered in brown seaweed. (9/23/2005)
  • Lingering Lyme -- You don't hear much about Lyme disease these days, but it remains a troublesome health threat for those who spend time outdoors. (9/26/2005)
  • Power Plants on the Farm -- Ethanol is a promising renewable fuel for automobiles. But large-scale production would place huge demands on agriculture. (9/27/2005)
  • Flying in the Fertilizer -- Huge colonies of seabirds deliver dangerous chemicals and life-giving nutrients to remote environments in the Arctic. (9/28/2005)
  • Taking Stock of Parasites -- Scientists start to take inventory of microscopic parasites and find all kinds of new ones. (9/29/2005)
  • Making Strides -- A man who walks the planet to raise environmental awareness finds it hard to keep up with the success of his mission. (9/30/2005)
  • A Helpful but Hazardous Harvest -- Pumpkins and zucchini do a good job of pulling toxic chemicals out of the soil. They might clean up some contaminated sites to make them safe again, although they would turn into hazardous waste in the process. (10/3/2005)
  • Vets in Demand -- A report from the National Academy of Sciences says we need more veterinarians to protect public health. (10/4/2005)
  • Dangerous Ground -- Radon gas can pose an invisible threat inside your home. An expert advises everyone to test for it. (10/5/2005)
  • The Virtue of Waste -- Efforts to conserve energy only lead to more consumption, according to a controversial new book. (10/6/2005)
  • Simple Conquest -- The sea squirt is a simple marine creature that is spreading far and wide. (10/7/2005)
  • Paper or Plastic? -- A new book tackles a question heard every day in the checkout line. (10/10/2005)
  • Island Culture -- A small group of people with a unique history struggles to protect their small island from development. (10/11/2005)
  • Weedy Waters -- A common element of many farm fertilizers can drastically alter freshwater lakes, possibly for centuries. (10/12/2005)
  • Conserving Corals -- People in Alaska who fish for a living work with government and conservation groups to protect the coral that is home to their catch. (10/13/2005)
  • Quiet Revolution -- A growing number of people in business and government are taking steps to create a more sustainable economy. (10/14/2005)
  • Shock Therapy with Saltwater -- A serious dose of saltwater can kill freshwater hitchhikers that ride in the ballast water of ocean-going ships. (10/17/2005)
  • Seeking Host, Will Travel -- Global warming could prompt the widespread migration of microscopic parasites. (10/18/2005)
  • Plenty of Energy -- Many people are worried about future energy supplies. This author isn't one of them. (10/19/2005)
  • Impersonal Packaging -- Packaging has taken the place of a lot of personal interaction, according to this author. (10/20/2005)
  • Space Invaders at Sea -- Sea squirts are squeezing into spaces in environments where they don't belong, and the results could be serious. (10/21/2005)

13. Staff News
MN Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Director of the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program

Applications and nominations invited for the position of Director of the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. The administrative office is at University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Position includes annually renewable administrative appointment with system-wide responsibility, reporting to UMD Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration. Tenured faculty appointment in relevant UMD academic department negotiable.

Position responsibilities found at Bird iconhttp://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/openings/job133260.html. The candidate must have doctoral or terminal professional degree in a Sea Grant-relevant discipline. Preferred qualifications include: commitment to Sea Grant concept; broad knowledge of marine and aquatic science and resource issues; proven record of innovative leadership and sound management; significant record of research, teaching, and service; experience working with a wide range of external constituencies; experience with grant proposals and federal funding process; and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Applicants should provide letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and mailing addresses of no fewer than three references to: Steve Colman, Chair of search committee, University of Minnesota Duluth, 109 Research Lab Bldg., 2205 E. 5th St., Duluth, MN 55812

Complete applications should be submitted as soon as possible. While no closing date for the search has been established, the Search Committee will meet to begin screening complete applications on December 15, 2005.

MI Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Director, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Program; Associate Professor/Professor
Michigan State University, East Lansing
Closing Date: December 12, 2005

The successful candidate will be a tenure stream Associate Professor/Professor specializing in Aquatic Resource Policy and Management in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. The primary responsibility is to serve as the Extension Program Coordinator for the Michigan Sea Grant College Program. Secondary responsibilities include developing and implementing an applied research program in support of Michigan Sea Grant College program centering on Great Lakes aquatic resource policy and management. View the full job posting for complete details.

Interested individuals should prepare (1) letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) description of relevant experience and expertise, and of professional goals, (4) names and contact information for three references. Please send application materials to William W. Taylor. Candidates should include"Job Sea Grant Coordinator" at the start of the subject line in all e-mail correspondence regarding this position.

William W. Taylor, Chairperson
Michigan State University, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
13 Natural Resources Building
East Lansing, MI 48824
Send an E-mail

MN Sea Grant - Position Announcement: Sea Grant Maritime Extension Educator
Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Sea Grant Maritime Extension Educator. The office is at Washburn Hall, University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). The position is in the University of Minnesota's academic staff category with the title of Extension Educator. The Maritime Extension Educator will work with the maritime industry, policy makers, natural resource professionals, the Great Lakes Sea Grant community, and Great Lakes researchers to increase cooperation among organizations, improve environmental management, and apply university research results to help solve problems and improve efficiencies. Complete position responsibilities can be found at Bird iconhttp://www.d.umn.edu/umdhr/umdjobs.html The candidate must have a Masters degree and three years experience. Applicants should provide letter of application, vitae, and names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and mailing addresses of three references to: Marie Zhuikov, Search Committee Chair, Minnesota Sea Grant, 2305 E 5th Street, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812
Phone: (218)726-7677, e-mail: mzhuikov@d.umn.edu

OH Sea Grant - New Ohio Clean Marinas Program Coordinator
Ohio Sea Grant welcomes Gary L Comer, Jr as its new Ohio Clean Marinas Coordinator. For the past 10 years, Gary has been an Ohio State University Extension Educator in Logan County, Ohio, where he focused primarily on watershed management education. He received his AAS at Hocking Technical College in Recreation and Wildlife Management, his BS at Arkansas Tech University in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and his MS at Texas Tech University in Wildlife Science. For information about his program, contact Gary at comer.27@osu.edu.

return to the top

September 16, 2005

Contents
1. IL-IN Sea Grant - $450,000 to New Research
2. PA Sea Grant - EPA R/V Mudpuppy to sample sediment in Presque Isle Bay
3. MI Sea Grant - High-Tech Buoy Monitors Weather in Mich.
4. OH Sea Grant - PAT
5. MI Sea Grant - Detroit River conservation initiatives to be recognized at White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation
6. Events
- GLSGN - Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Regional Conference
- MI Sea Grant - Coastwatch Meeting at GLERL
- MI Sea Grant - Integrated Assessment
- OH Sea Grant - GLFLI
- WI Sea Grant: Workshop Announcement: Using the New Aquatic Invasive Species Education Handbook
- OH Sea Grant - NAML
7. Publications
- IISG - The Helm - Summer 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.iisgcp.org/news/helm.htm
- WI Sea Grant -Earthwatch Radio - Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org
- IISG - New Publications
- MI Sea Grant -- Project FLOW and Great Lakes Most Unwanted
- MI Sea Grant -- Shorelines
8. Staff News
- IISG Announces Interim Director
- MN Sea Grant - EPA Appoints Director of Duluth Laboratory
- IISG - New 'Sea Granters' On Board
- MN Sea Grant - Water on the Web Project Earns National Awards
- IISG - Award for AquaNIC Developer
- MI Sea Grant - Spotlight: A passion for the Great Lakes

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

1. IL-IN Sea Grant - $450,000 to New Research
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) has awarded a total of $450,000 to six research projects that address human and environmental health issues in the southern Lake Michigan region. For the years 2006-2007, IISG will support studies on aquatic invasive species; contaminants in drinking water, lakes and rivers; and the medicinal potential of Lake Michigan bacteria. "These projects will provide new information that will play a critical role in future water resource policy making, planning, and management," said Phil Mankin, IISG research coordinator.

Three researchers from the University of Illinois will assess the impact of contaminants, but from a variety of perspectives. John Braden, an economist, will measure the financial benefits of cleaning up contaminated sites for communities near Great Lakes Areas of Concern, which are waters that have an impaired ability to support aquatic life. Braden hopes to speed up informed decision-making about contaminated sediment remediation in the Great Lakes.

Robert Hudson, an environmental chemist, will study the distribution and concentration of methylmercury--the form of mercury that poses a threat to human health and the environment--in wetlands along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Wetlands can be a major source of methylmercury in streams and lakes.

Contaminants in drinking water will be the subject of Michael Plewa's research. Ironically, the process of disinfecting drinking water can result in the development of by-products that, in some cases, pose human health implications. Plewa, a geneticist, will assess the toxicity of a number of disinfectant by-products, known as DBPs, on mammal cells.

Two research projects will provide key information for managing the problem of aquatic invasive species in local waters. Nadine Folino-Rorem, a marine biologist at Wheaton College will study Cordylophora caspia, a hydroid from the Caspian Sea that can be found in southwestern Lake Michigan. Little is known about the diet of these tiny, bottom-dwelling, invertebrate organisms in Lake Michigan and their impact on the food chain.

The electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is designed to prevent invasive species from moving between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. However, despite the barrier, barges and boats may provide these species transportation through the canal. Dan Schneider, an aquatic ecologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey and the U of I, will identify the risks that these vessels pose for transferring organisms and which species should be targeted for management efforts.

Finally, stepping into a new frontier, which may have implications beyond the region, Jimmy Orjala, a medicinal chemist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, will look to the waters of Lake Michigan for cures for disease. Taking advantage of new technology, he will culture Lake Michigan bacteria that previously could not be grown in the lab, and test these microbes for their anti-cancer and anti-tuberculosis properties.

"Through these six studies, we will shed new light on some critical problems that affect environmental quality and human health. The results of these efforts will be more finely-tuned resource policies and, ultimately, healthier, more vibrant communities," said William Sullivan, IISG director.

2. PA Sea Grant - EPA R/V Mudpuppy to sample sediment in Presque Isle Bay

Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are continuing the study of Presque Isle Bay sediment. This September the EPA Research Vessel, Mudpuppy, will spend a week collecting sediment cores in Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Mudpuppy is a 32 foot, flat-bottom boat that is equipped to core sediment in shallow rivers and harbors. It has performed sediment sampling at 27 of the 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern, (AOC). Presque Isle Bay is an Area of Concern in Recovery, identified first as the Great Lakes' 43rd Area of Concern in 1991 and then attaining a recovery designation in 2002.

Of the 26 American AOC's, 15 have identified restrictions on dredging as a beneficial use impairment. The Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern is one of these. Pennsylvania Sea Grant's goal is to generate model sediment impairment standards that can be used in other Areas of Concern as they work towards delistment. In order to attain this goal Sea Grant has formed a Sediment Advisory Group; compiled and evaluated existing sediment data; is attempting to evaluate current sediment quality conditions in the AOC; and in due course, will establish delisting criteria for the Presque Isle Bay AOC. Peter Landrum and Steve Ruber of GLERL have lent their expertise to this project. Peter Landrum is a member of the Sediment Advisory Group. This group reviewed Sea Grant's plan for Presque Isle Bay sediment sampling. Steve Ruber has mapped the bottom of Presque Isle Bay using side scan sonar.

While in Erie, the Mudpuppy will work in tandem with the Environaut, Gannon University's research vessel, to collect sediment cores and grab samples from fifteen locations in Presque Isle Bay. This material will be taken to the newly opened labs at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle. Here they will be prepared, packaged and shipped to either the U.S.G.S. office in Columbia, Missouri for toxicity testing or the EPA Fort Meade Lab for grain size and some metal testing. Collected core samples will be aged to determine deposition rates, along with total organic carbon, PAHs, other organics and pesticides. In addition to the Bay sediment, samples will also be collected from the mouth of Cascade Creek, Mill Creek and Scott Run, the three tributaries which feed directly into the Bay.

Results of these analyses will be made available to regulators, scientists, stakeholders and the informed public in order to support a variety of environmental decisions. Representatives of other AOC's will be invited to resulting workshops in order to solicit their input on sediment monitoring programs and delisting criteria.

3. MI Sea Grant - High-Tech Buoy Monitors Weather in Mich.
Excerpt from Yahoo News article By John Flesher, Associated Press Writer Thu Aug 25, 8:34 PM ET
A solar-powered buoy bobbing on the surface of Grand Traverse Bay is providing boaters, forecasters and other interested people with up-to-date information about the Lake Michigan waterway's sometimes volatile weather. The University of Michigan's Marine Hydrodynamics Lab is managing data transmitted from the buoy, which was launched last month. The information, updated every 10 minutes, became available over the Internet this week. The buoy will be removed during winter, when the bay surface often freezes. The device has been added to a computer-linked network of Great Lakes buoys. Together, they are part of an observation system under development to support research into climate change, low oxygen levels and other topics. The buoy also will supply information to a data center operated by the National Weather Service, which manages two other buoys in Lake Michigan.

The National Weather Service monitors the same conditions from the Cherry Capital Airport, only a few miles away. "But the wind changes dramatically as it encounters the edge of the land," said Guy Meadows, director of the university lab. "It's very important to get measurements in the water itself." The buoy already is proving valuable to the weather service office in Gaylord, which prepares marine forecasts for a wide area that includes Grand Traverse Bay. "Even with all the satellites and radars and other tools we have, there's a surprising lack of direct measurements of the marine environment," forecaster Steve Rowley said. "For the first time, we have an instrument that can help provide those measurements of the winds and waves."

"This is going to have a lot of practical applications for near-coast users as well as the research community," Mark Breederland, the Michigan Sea Grant Extension educator for northwestern Michigan, said Thursday. The buoy is about 10 feet high, but only the top 4.5 feet reaches above the surface. It's fitted with sensors that measure wind speed and direction, wave height, and temperatures of the air and surface water. It is anchored about 1.5 miles north of Traverse City on the western arm of the bay, where the water is 150 feet deep. The data will be valuable for recreational boaters, sport and commercial fishermen and others who need accurate information about conditions on the roughly 30-mile-long bay, Meadows said. It also will assist educational programs. Law enforcement agencies could consult the database for updates on water currents when searching for drowning victims, Meadows said.

The buoy, which cost about $60,000, previously was placed in Lake St. Clair. It generated information for a computer model the University of Michigan lab developed to track water flow and predict when pollutants such as E coli might drift near shore. Great Lakes beaches sometimes are closed when sewer overflows contaminate the waters with E. coli, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, dehydration and other illnesses. Scientists want to produce a similar model for Grand Traverse Bay, Meadows said.

Data from buoy accessible at: http://www.engin.umich.edu/dept/name/facilities/mhl/current_proj.html

4. OH Sea Grant - PAT
The Ohio Sea Grant College Program hosted its Performance Appraisal Team (PAT) August 21-25 in Columbus and at Stone Lab. With extensive input and support from advisory committees and clientele, the team was very impressed with the expertise, involvement, understanding, dedication, and commitment of everyone they met. Lots of hard work paid off as our rating was very high. It will likely be several weeks before we receive the formal letter from the review team.

5. MI Sea Grant - Detroit River conservation initiatives to be recognized at White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation
Excerpt from Press Release

Over the past several years, a unique coalition of community, business, education and governmental groups have quietly endeavored to revitalize the Detroit River and its surrounding areas. As a result of this collaboration, the 32-mile waterway that connects Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, once neglected and polluted, has become an inviting place for wildlife and a destination for the public. The partnerships that have made this transformation possible will receive national recognition at the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation in St. Louis Aug. 29-Aug. 31.

The Detroit River initiative is among 37 conservation projects nationwide that will be highlighted at the conference. An overview of the initiative will be presented by Mary Bohling, environmental planner, DTE Energy; Barry Murray, Southeast Michigan extension agent, Michigan Sea Grant; Anita Twardesky, co-chair, Downriver Linked Greenways; and John Hartig, manager, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The four represent a cross-section of the many organizations that have been deeply involved in the revitalization of the Detroit River.

The conference, convened by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, will focus on promoting cooperative conservation through partnerships with state, tribal and local governments, communities, private for-profit and non-profit organizations, and private citizens. It will bring together interested participants and decision makers who can advance cooperative conservation and identify ideas for future conservation and environmental policies and initiatives. "We are honored to be invited to the conference and delighted to have the opportunity to share our achievements with our colleagues from across the country. We're anxious to learn from them as well," said Bohling. "This conference is about collaboration, and from our experiences with the Detroit River, that truly is the way you make things happen."

Some of the numerous partnerships and projects that have helped revitalize the Detroit River area include:

  • The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Located along the lower Detroit River and western shoreline of Lake Erie, the 2,400-acre Refuge contains islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals and unique uplands, and includes four DTE Energy facilities that are certified wildlife sites, due in large part to the conservation efforts of DTE Energy volunteers. The company recently donated $100,000 to help build a gateway at the refuge that will include a visitor center, wildlife viewing stations,
    hiking trails and more.
  • The Downriver Linked Greenways. This organization has raised more than $10 million for trail construction and has built nearly 15 miles of trails since 1999. It has completed a five-year master plan, and worked with the National Park Service to create a signage manual.
  • The Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. The initiative raised $43 million for projects involving environmental stewardship, economic development, and celebrating history and culture.
  • The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The group raised more than $100 million that leveraged millions of dollars more to build the
    3.5-mile Detroit RiverWalk, one of the country's largest urban waterfront redevelopment projects.
  • The Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan GreenWays Initiative. This effort provided $25 million and leveraged another
    $65 million for communities to build greenways.

6. Events
GLSGN - Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Regional Conference
SAVE-the-Date ... June 11-14, 2006. Location: NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve in Alpena, MI.

MI Sea Grant - Coastwatch Meeting at GLERL
The Sea Grant Coastwatch project team will meet at GLERL on September 27th, 1-5pm. Conference call line will be available for other programs to join in discussions of Coastwatch program evaluation, cloud masking and image quality.

MI Sea Grant - Integrated Assessment
A workshop for Michigan's researchers about a formal approach to synthesizing scientific input to decision making. October 12, 2005. See Bird iconhttp://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ia

OH Sea Grant - GLFLI
The second Great Lakes Fisheries Leadership Institute will be held at October 7-9, 2005 at the F.T. Stone Laboratory, Put-in-Bay Ohio. The agenda will focus on critical issues affecting the Great Lakes and the audience focus will be on environmental and outdoor writers.

WI Sea Grant: Workshop Announcement: Using the New Aquatic Invasive Species Education Handbook
Is there interest in aquatic invasive species education in your community? Are you providing support to local Aquatic Invasive Species Grant recipients? Would you like to learn more about the educational resources, programs, and funding that are available to you? If so, plan to attend one of the upcoming workshops that will premiere a brand new publication: "Aquatic Invasive Species: A Handbook for Education Efforts".

Workshops: The purpose of these half-day workshops, provided by Wisconsin Sea Grant, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and Wisconsin DNR, is to launch our new invasive species education handbook. All participants will receive a copy of the handbook and accompanying resource CD. We will discuss aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin and the statewide programs that allow volunteers to get involved in the fight against these nuisance species. We will also review the handbook contents and hopefully generate ideas for how you can take this resource home and put it to good use!

Who should attend: The workshops are open to anyone, and we encourage the following individuals to attend: UW-Extension Agents, LCD Employees, DNR Lake Coordinators and Environmental Grant Specialists, lake association representatives, representatives from interested municipalities, and DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Grant recipients.

Where:
October 4th - Madison - Friedrick Center (UW-Madison Campus)
October 5th - Stevens Point - Student Union (UW-Stevens Point Campus)
October 6th - Minocqua - The Pointe Resort and Conference

When: 10 am - 3 pm

Cost: They're free! The workshops, including lunch, are being provided by the National Sea Grant College Program and the Great Lakes Commission, who is managing this grant in the Great Lakes states.

Registration: Pre-registration is required. Contact Phil Moy at (920) 683-4697, pmoy@uwc.edu or Diane Knier at (920) 683-4700 to reserve your spot at one of the workshops.

Background: Aquatic invasive species are plants and animals that have been introduced into Wisconsin waters and are having negative economic, ecological, and recreational impacts. Awareness of aquatic invasive species is growing in Wisconsin, and increasing numbers of citizens are looking for ways to get involved in helping to prevent their introduction and spread. Education is the basis for more citizen involvement and effectiveness, and state agencies are increasing their educational efforts. However, this battle will not be won with a statewide education effort alone. Numerous local groups - schools, counties, towns, lake associations, businesses - have recognized this and are beginning to launch their own prevention education efforts. Local programs are encouraged to collaborate with and capitalize on statewide educational efforts to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The new education handbook was developed jointly by UW - Extension, Wisconsin Sea Grant, and the Department of Natural Resources. It includes a compilation of information on statewide programs, resources, contacts, case studies, and action strategies. It also provides some suggested approaches for designing successful local education efforts. We hope that this book will serve as a resource for those who might be interested in taking on this issue but don't know where to begin, or for individuals working in communities statewide who might be called upon to provide support.

For more information about the workshops, contact: Phil Moy, Wisconsin Sea Grant, pmoy@uwc.edu, 920-683-4697

OH Sea Grant - NAML

Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory will host the National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML) Annual Meeting at Stone Laboratory on 21-23 September.

7. Publications
IISG - The Helm - Summer 2005 - Bird iconhttp://www.iisgcp.org/news/helm.htm

  • Plant Retailers Provide Potential Source of AIS
  • A Fond Farewell to Dick Warner
  • IISG Announces Interim Director
  • Web Site Recruits AIS Detectives
  • Fish School Is in Session
  • AIS-HACCP Program Expands to Resource Managers
  • Experts Focus on Southern Lake Michigan Region Water Supply
  • Aquaculture Class Inspires High School Students
  • Rip Current Awareness Can Save Lives

WI Sea Grant -Earthwatch Radio - Bird iconhttp://ewradio.org
Podcast: http://ewradio.org/podcast/current/index.aspx
RSS: http://ewradio.org/rss/

  • The Rewards of Doppler Radar -- The National Weather Service made a big investment in Doppler radar during the 1990s, and an
    economist says it was a wise investment. (8/15/2005)
  • Global Changes, Global Health -- Changes in the global climate might give an advantage to small organisms that affect public
    health. (8/16/2005)
  • Lightning Rules -- A "bolt from the blue" can be deadly if you don't respect the unpredictable nature of lightning. (8/17/2005)
  • Pack Mentality -- Pack rats collect a lot of stuff that helps ecologists track nature's changes. (8/18/2005)
  • The Call of the Reef -- The sounds of coral reefs might offer a home-coming call for some kinds of marine fish. (8/19/2005)
  • Back from the Abyss -- A Depression-era piece of oceanographic history has been rescued from a scrap heap on Coney Island.
    (8/22/2005)
  • New Economic State -- New Mexico produces plenty of fossil fuels, but it sees its future in solar energy and other renewable resources. (8/23/2005)
  • New Fish for Old Rigs -- A lot of offshore oil rigs go out of business every year, but they might find new life as commercial
    fish farms. (8/24/2005)
  • Farming in Balance -- Researchers in Texas are looking for ways to keep phosphorus from running off dairy farms and into lakes and
    streams. (8/25/2005)
  • Healthy Environment -- The environment around you affects your well-being. But your choices in health care can also affect the
    environment. (8/26/2005)
  • Toxic Snapshot -- A whale expert nips pieces of blubber off the backs of whales to get a global picture of chemical pollution.
    (8/29/2005)
  • Uneasy Breathing -- A warmer world might be filled with more air pollution, and people might have to change some daily routines to
    protect their health. (8/30/2005)
  • Imposing Risk -- Some people live to seek thrills in the outdoors, but others might not want to share the risk. (8/31/2005)
  • Bad News in Bird Droppings -- Birds that eat contaminated fish deliver a surprising amount of toxic chemicals to remote places
    inside the Arctic Circle. (9/1/2005)
  • Over a Barrel -- The rising price of oil might lead to new energy policies, but an expert argues that there are better reasons to
    promote conservation and alternatives. (9/2/2005)
  • No Sleep for Mother or Child -- A scientists who specializes in the study of sleep finds that newborn dolphins and killer whales
    apparently don't need any sleep. (9/5/2005)
  • At the Bottom of the Ballast Tank -- Ships can carry foreign plants and animals across the oceans in their ballast tanks, even
    when the ballast tanks are virtually empty. (9/6/2005)
  • Plowing Ahead -- Humans use nearly forty percent of the Earth's landscapes, and we're putting the squeeze on nature, according to
    a new study. (9/7/2005)
  • Rangers and Danger -- Attacks on park rangers hit an all-time high last year -- not from animals, but from people. (9/8/2005)
  • Sanctions on Shark Finning -- An organization that regulates fishing in the Pacific Ocean takes action to end a wasteful
    fishing practice called "shark finning." (9/9/2005)
  • Trading Away