News

Updated Environment Canada's Great Lakes web site
Environment Canada’s Great Lakes web site has been updated and has a new URL : http://www.ec.gc.ca/greatlakes. On the new site you will find: Information about the state of the Great Lakes in the "How are the Great Lakes Doing?" Section; Information about Remedial Action Plans, Lakewide Management Plans, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Canada-Ontario Agreement in the "Restoring and Protecting the Great Lakes" section; and Maps, publications and science information in the "Facts and Information" Section. The new site also features a Great Lakes area within the Environment Canada Publications Database. Through this searchable database, you can instantly receive PDF copies of public-friendly documents and reports that Environment Canada has contributed to, including the most recent Lakewide Management Plan 2010 Reports. (8/25/10)

Hurting Recreational Fishing Economy Worries About New Threat
The summer season brings hundreds of anglers to Lake Erie where they haul in tons of perch and walleye. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett takes us to a Lake Erie fishing community to gauge the potential impact of an Asian carp invasion. (8/11/10)

New website on Detroit River soft shoreline restoration projects
The State of the Strait Conference partners have developed a new web site that profiles 38 case studies of soft shoreline engineering along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie. (8/11/10)

2011-2012 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grants Available
WCMP is seeking proposals within the state's coastal zone. WCMP Grants (approx $1.5 million) are available for coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community planning, Great Lakes education, public access and historic preservation. Applications are due November 1, 2010. (8/11/10)

Potential drop in funding for this year's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative?
Following a recent vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to only fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative at $300 million for the upcoming year (as opposed to the previous $475 million), organizations such as the Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition are calling for a return to the larger sum in order to keep momentum going on restoration projects for this important region. President Obama's budget also only requested $300 Million this round, and many in the Great Lakes community are hoping the U.S. Senate will choose to fund the Initiative at a level consistent with this past year's. (7/27/10)

Board Member Receives Prestigious Award
Peter Dillon, who is serving on IAGLR's Board of Directors from 2009-2012; has been selected as the "ASLO 2010 G. Evelyn Hutchinson Award" winner. Congratulations! (7/8/10)

Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act Legislation Introduced
On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, U. S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D, Michigan), Dick Durbin (D, Illinois), Carl Levin (D, Michigan) and other Great Lakes Senators introduced the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act, which would require the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their study of engineering options to permanently separate the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes. U. S. Congressman Dave Camp (R, Michigan) has introduced similar bi-partisan legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Stabenow can be seen speaking about this issue on the Senate floor here. (7/3/10)

Team IAGLR USA Wins 4-4
At this year’s 53rd annual International Association for Great Lakes Research Conference in Toronto, Ontario, IAGLR Team USA and IAGLR Team Canada defied convention and skated to a 4-4 tie in an ice hockey match challenge for the Defy Cup, the trophy donated by Clarkson University to support fund raising for the IAGLR Scholarship. (6/18/10)

IAGLR 2010-2011 Board of Directors
IAGLR's 2010-2011 Officers and Board Members were announced this May at the 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toronto, Ontario. Please join us in a special welcome for Robert Heath as the new President. Remaining officers include Robert Letcher as Vice-President, Stephanie Guildford as Secretary, Thomas Holsen as Treasurer, and Linda Campbell as Past-President. Stephen Hensler has returned as a Board Member and Prosper Zigah will be our new Student Board Member. Peter Dillon, Joseph Makarewicz, Linda Mortsch, and Amanda Poste will also be staying on. Thank you to last year's Board of Directors for their hard work, and we look forward to another productive year with a new great group! (6/16/10)

Dr. Don MacKay Receives 2010 IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Don MacKay, Director Emeritus of the Centre for Environmental Modelling and Chemistry at Trent University, at the recent 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research, recognizing his career of sustained excellence conducting large lakes research. (6/16/10)

IAGLR Honors Great Lakes Educator
IAGLR presented the prestigious John R. (Jack) Vallentyne IAGLR Outreach Award to Carol Swinehart of Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University for her important and sustained efforts to inform and educate the public and policymakers on Great Lakes issues at the 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toronto, Ontario. (6/16/10)

Dr. Lynda D. Corkum Recognized for Contributions to IAGLR
IAGLR is pleased to announce that Dr. Lynda Corkum (Department of Biological Science at the University of Windsor) is the 2010 recipient of the Anderson-Everett Award for her outstanding and continued contributions to the Association over a number of years. (6/16/10)

Notable Article from the Journal of Great Lakes Research Recognized
The Chandler-Misener Award is presented annually to the authors of the peer-reviewed paper in the most recent complete volume of the Journal of Great Lakes Research judged to be "most notable” based on originality, contribution, and presentation. This year’s recipients were Steven C. Chapra, Alice Dove, and David C. Rockwell for their paper “Great Lakes Chloride Trends: Long-term Mass Balance and Loading Analysis” (JGLR 35(2):272-284). (6/16/10)

2010 IAGLR Scholarship Winners Announced
IAGLR recently honored several student scientists for their contributions to Great Lakes science and outstanding research promise at the 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. IAGLR Scholarship winners were Lindsey R. Pierce (University of Toledo) and Maxon Ngochera (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee). The Paul W. Rodgers Scholarship was awarded to Kimberly A. Peters (Michigan State University), and the Norman S. Baldwin Fisheries Science Scholarship was awarded to Amanda E. Haponski (University of Toledo). Congratulations to all scholarship winners and best of luck in your future endeavors! (6/16/10)

IAGLR Announces Best Student Paper and Poster from 2009 Conference
Each year, the best student presentations given at the annual meeting are honored by awards sponsored by IAGLR and Hydrolab/Hach Corp. The winners based on last year's meeting are Anthony Kendall (Michigan State University) for his talk entitled, “Simulating Impacts of Climate and Land Use Change on Regional Hydrology at Fine Resolution with the Integrated Landscape Hydrology Model (ILHM),” and also Mridul K. Thomas (Michigan State University) for his poster entitled, “Growth Responses of Invasive and Native Cyanobacteria to Temperature.” IAGLR congratulates you both! (6/16/10)

Journal of Great Lakes Research Associate Editor Recognized
IAGLR recognizes outstanding support of the review process for the Journal of Great Lakes Research by presenting select Associate Editors with the IAGLR Editor's Award. Hunter J. Carrick (Pennsylvania State University) received this year’s Editor's Award for his exceptional editorial work at the recent 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. (6/16/10)

Elsevier Awards to IAGLR Members
Ronald M. Dermott was awarded the Elsevier Award for Best Reviewer at the recent 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. Other awardees included Scott Higgins, the recipient of the Elsevier Young Scientist Award, and Gretchen Hansen, the recipient of the Elsevier Young Student Award. (6/16/10)

IAGLR Recognizes Members for Service
IAGLR annually awards Certificates of Appreciation to members for outstanding service to the Association. At the recent 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research, IAGLR recognized Ron Hites (Indiana University) and Stephen J. Lozano (NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory) for their service as IAGLR Officers; both have completed their terms of service. IAGLR also recognized Kristen DeVanna and John Poulopoulos as a retiring Board Member and Committee Chair, respectively. The Conference Site Co-Chair Appreciation Awards went to Paul Helm (Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch) and Miriam Diamond (University of Toronto) and the Conference Chair IAGLR Board Appreciation Award went to Robert Heath (Kent State University). Ralph Smith (University of Waterloo), Lynda McCarthy (Ryerson University), and Cody Copeman (Seamless Events) were honored with IAGLR Conference Appreciation Awards for their respective roles as Program Chair, Plenary Chair, and Conference Coordinator. For their contributions as Associate Editors of the Journal of Great Lakes Research, IAGLR recognized Paul V. Doskey, Timothy B. Johnson, Thomas J. Nalepa, Steven J. Renzetti, Ronald Rossmann, William M. Schertzer, William C. Sonzogni, and Martin A. Stapanian. (6/16/10)

Board Member Receives Prestigous Award
Past President Linda Campbell, who has served on the IAGLR Board of Director's since 2006; has been selected as one of "Canada's Top 40 under 40". Congratulations! (6/10/10)

JGLR 36(2) Now Online
The latest issue of the journal is now on ScienceDirect. Members log in here, nonmembers visit here. (6/1/10)

JGLR Special Supplement Online
A new journal supplement, Assessing the Health of Lake Whitefish Populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes, is now on ScienceDirect. Members log in here, nonmembers visit here. (6/1/10)

Conference on Great Lakes Research May 17-21, 2010 Toronto
Thanks to all who attended and volunteered for the 53rd annual IAGLR conference! It's what made it a wonderful success. More details will be posted soon; such as pictures, award winners, etc. (5/27/10)

1972 accord on water quality up for changes
Canada and the U.S. plan to update the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, with a six-week public comment period beginning next week. (5/25/10)

Program Book Online
The IAGLR 2010 Program Book is now available online (PDF). (5/6/10)

Short Course: Introduction to R
The course is now full and registration is closed. Thank you for your interest in the Introduction to R course offered by the Quantitative Fisheries Center, Michigan State University. Course location information is available at the course website. (5/6/10)

Abstract Book online
The IAGLR 2010 Abstract Book is now available online (PDF). (4/27/10)

Short Course: Understanding VEMCO Acoustic Telemetry Technology
The popularity of the VR2W automated acoustic receiver technology designed and produced by VEMCO has significantly increased over the last several years. Denise King will discuss several detailed technical issues related to acoustic telemetry technology and provide the user with the necessary tools to use the equipment effectively. Participants will learn how acoustic technology works, how VEMCO equipment works, and how to analyze data (false detections, etc). Register soon as space is limited! Information/Registration. (Mon May 17, 2010, 1-5 pm Medical Sciences Rm 3264, U of Toronto.) (4/25/10)

Presenter Guidelines for IAGLR10
Please review the instructions for information on formatting your oral and poster presentations and uploading your presentations for the conference. (4/23/10)

IAGLR'10 online registration is closed
Onsite registration will be available at the door. See you May 17-21 in Toronto! Visit the Program Section for session details to help plan your itinerary. (4/15/10)

Welcome Exhibitors!
Special exhibitor logistics are now posted for those who have reserved space @ IAGLR10. Thanks for your support and have a great show! (4/13/10)

Conference Flyer Available
View or download the current flyer for the upcoming 2010 annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toronto!! (4/4/10)

IAGLR10 Presenter Information Sent
Email notifications were distributed to oral and poster authors regarding their respective time/date of presentation. If you did NOT receive this notice; please contact your session chair and be sure that your email system is set to receive future information. Thank you! (3/25/10)

Fish DNA can confirm presence, not size or age
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigates environmental DNA testing methods used to monitor the progression of Asian carp in canal systems connecting to Lake Michigan. After a thorough review, the cutting edge techniques have been considered "sufficiently reliable and robust in reporting a pattern of detection that should be considered actionable in a management context." [more...] (3/20/10)

Five-Year Review for the J. of Great Lakes Research Editor
Current IAGLR policy suggests a formal review of the JGLR Editorial process every 5 years. The purpose is to evaluate the performance of the Journal and the Editor; identify areas of strength and ways to continually improve the Journal of Great Lakes Research. Even if you have not had any involvement with the Journal, either as an author, reviewer, guest editor, or Associate Editor – your perspectives are welcome. Online Survey ends April 10th. (3/15/10)

Short Course Prior to IAGLR 2010: Introduction to R
Quantitative Fisheries Center, Michigan State University. Cost: Student $50, Professional $100. This course will introduce students to the R programming and statistical software package using examples from fisheries research. No prior experience with R or programming is required or expected. Information/registration (3/14/10)

GLFC Science Transfer Program RFP
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission Science Transfer Program is seeking proposals for the 2011 funding cycle. Pre-proposals are due July 15, 2010. More information can be found here. (3/13/10)

VOTE 2010 Board of Directors Election
The Association membership elects new members to its Board of Directors prior to the annual conference. Brief biographical sketches of the candidates are available online. Please vote for 1 board nominee, 1 student board nominee and Treasurer. Just log in to IAGLR Membersweb to cast your ballot. You must be a current member to vote. Voting is open until April 2. (3/4/10)

Call for Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award
Do you know of someone who has made significant contributions to the field of Great Lakes Research over the past 20 years??? Consider nominating that person for the IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award! Deadline extended to Mar 31st. (2/26/10)

IAGLR offers over $10,000 in Student Scholarships!
Masters and PhD students have until March 15th to submit applications to various scholarships, including: IAGLR Scholarship ($2,000), Paul W. Rodgers Scholarship ($2,000), and Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship ($6,000). View the Scholarship guidelines (2/8/10)

IAGLR Hockey 2010 – Sponsored by EcoAnalysts, Inc
The IAGLR Hockey “Lessons from the Past – Solutions for the Future” 2010 Defy Cup Challenge between Team IAGLR Canada hosting IAGLR Team USA will take place at De La Salle College Arena, 141 Farnham Avenue, Toronto, ONT M4V 1H7 on Monday, May 17, 2010 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Cost per player will be approximately $30. If you are interested in playing, send an email note to Michael Twiss (mtwiss@clarkson.edu) stating your nationality and preferred playing position. We create the teams with the intention of maximizing the skill equality. A nominal fee is assessed for each player and coaching staff to go towards the cash prize for the winning team, who then have the honor/honour of donating it to the IAGLR Scholarship fund. See last year’s game results here. (2/1/10)

Official Release of the 2010 State of the Strait Report
The "State of the Strait Ecological Benefits of Habitat Modification 2010" report is now officially available. The document summarizes the proceedings of the 2009 State of the Strait Conference, held at the University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario on April 28, 2009. It can be accessed at www.stateofthestrait.org (1/29/10)

Eco-Comedy Video Competition ($1,000 Prize)
This contest is open to anyone who prepares a short, funny video for YouTube which communicates a clear message that strongly motivates a specific behavior change (e.g., driving a fuel efficient car, turning down thermostats, or donating to a conservation cause). Submissions are due March 1, 2010, and the winner will receive a $1,000 prize. (1/27/10)

Call for Nominations for the John R. "Jack" Vallentyne Award
This IAGLR Outreach Award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals for their contributions to informing and educating the public and policymakers on regional and global Great Lakes scientific issues. For further details on how to nominate, please refer to our News Release (1/21/10)

IAGLR Call for 2012 Conference Site Proposals
IAGLR is currently soliciting Canadian bids to host IAGLR 2012. Consider holding the prestigous Conference on Great Lakes Research at YOUR university or professional facility! For more information please contact Bob Heath, Conference Committee Chair, via office@iaglr.org (12/4/09)

JGLR 35(4) Now Online
The latest issue of the journal is now on ScienceDirect. Members log in here, nonmembers visit here. (11/18/09)

Chicago canal to be poisoned to stop Asian carp
Early next month, more than 200 people are expected to participate in a two-day, $1.5 million project to poison nearly 6 miles of canal just southwest of Chicago in preparation for scheduled electric barrier maintenance. Read the full story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel online. (11/17/09)

Congress Approves Great Lakes Restoration Funding
Congress late Thursday approved President Barack Obama's plan to spend $475 million next year on programs to restore the Great Lakes, the first installment in what is expected to be a multiyear restoration plan. Read the full story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel online. (11/2/09)

Zebra Mussels Invade Isle Royale
Zebra mussels have invaded Isle Royale in Lake Superior, according to Park Service officials. Concern is raised because the island contains one of the largest remaining populations of native mussels in its small lakes. A Duluth News Tribune article explains more. (9/22/09)

First Freshwater Underwater Glider Released in Lake Superior
University of Minnesota Duluth researchers released the first freshwater underwater glider in Lake Superior. The glider operates autonomously and can be used for a variety of applications, including water quality measurement. Read the full story and watch a video on Fox 21 News. (9/22/09)

Sponsorship Opportunities for IAGLR 2010
Each year, IAGLR's Conference on Great Lakes Research receives generous support from sponsoring organizations and businesses. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for IAGLR 2010. (8/13/09)

Exhibit at IAGLR 2010
The International Association for Great Lakes Research invites leading vendors and consulting firms to display their products or services at the 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. The meeting will be held May 17-21, 2010, in Toronto. View the Call for Exhibitors for details. (8/13/09)

Advertise in the 2010 Conference Program
Advertise in the IAGLR 2010 conference program book and reach a targeted international large-lakes research community. Reserve your advertising space today! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. See the rate card for more details and order form. Deadline is April 1, 2010. (8/13/09)

IAGLR 2010 Website Opens
Find out what's in store for IAGLR's 53rd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research to be held in beautiful Toronto on May 17-21, 2010. (8/13/09)

ScienceDirect Access
Some members may be experiencing technical difficulties with their Elsevier IAGLR Member log-in recognition. If you are a current member encountering problems with PDF JGLR access, please let us know (office@iaglr.org). Thanks for your patience while Elsevier resolves this matter. For now, you may continue to view vol. 1-34 JGLR on the IAGLR web site. (7/31/09)

IAGLR 2009-2010 Board of Directors
IAGLR's 2009-2010 Officers and Board Members were announced at the 52nd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toledo, Ohio. We would especially like to welcome Linda Campbell as the new President. Remaining officers include Bob Heath as Vice-President, Stephanie Guildford as Secretary, Stephen Lozano as Treasurer, and Ron Hites as Past-President. New members of the Board include Peter Dillon, Rob Letcher, Linda Mortsch, and Amanda Poste. Kristen Devanna and Joe Makarewicz will also be staying on. Here’s to another great year! (7/13/09)

IAGLR Honors Great Lakes Researcher
IAGLR presented Murray Charlton, a former Research Scientist and Emeritus Associate with Environment Canada, with the IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award at its recent 52nd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toledo, Ohio. (7/7/09)

IAGLR Honors Great Lakes Educator
IAGLR presented the prestigious John R. (Jack) Valentyne IAGLR Outreach Award to Dr. Rosanne Fortner, a distinguished professor, educator and environmentalist, at its 52nd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toledo, Ohio. (7/7/09)

Great Lakes Science Leaders Honored
IAGLR recently honored several members for their contributions to the association and Great Lakes science. The awards were announced at the recent 52nd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toledo, Ohio. (7/7/09)

Great Lakes Student Scientists Recognized
IAGLR recently honored student scientists for their contributions to Great Lakes science. The awards were announced at the recent 52nd Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Toledo, Ohio. (7/7/09)

Obama names overseer for Great Lakes
Chicago conservationist to lead federal restoration efforts A prominent regional conservationist was appointed the first-ever Great Lakes czar Wednesday, making good on President Barack Obama's campaign promise to elevate the health of the Great Lakes as a national issue. Cameron Davis, president of the Chicago-based Alliance for the Great Lakes, is the administration's pick to coordinate federal programs on the lakes, including efforts to clean up contaminated sediments, reduce existing pollution sources and stanch the onslaught of invasive species in recent decades. (6/4/09)

Honoring Philip Keillor: Benefit Show in Madison WI
Philip Keillor was an IAGLR member for nearly 20 years. He recently passed away from a severe brain trauma. His brother, Garrison Keillor will do a benefit show on Wednesday, May 6th. (5/4/09)

IAGLR (Canada) Survey deadline May 11th.
A brief survey is available for Canadian members wishing to provide feedback on charitable tax status of IAGLR in Canada. We value your opinion on this initiative and will be following up on the results at a meeting scheduled for Canadian members at the upcoming conference in Toledo, OH. If you cannot make IAGLR09 this year, the survey is a good forum for expressing your views and questions to the Board of Directors. (5/1/09)

Google Earth - Laurentian Great Lakes Tour
Google Earth 5.0 can now be used to view the Great Lakes from beneath the water surface! Through a cooperative effort with the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) and the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, Google Earth now incorporates detailed bathymetry for the five Great Lakes. Users will be able to explore features such as the canyons and shoals in eastern Lake Superior, the Lake Michigan mid-lake reef complex, and the old river channel, now underwater, that once connected Lakes Michigan and Huron at the Straits of Mackinac. You can learn more about the Great Lakes feature of Google Earth by taking a tour here. (4/14/09)

New Findings on Muck in Saginaw Bay
The first year of research on a five year study of muck in Saginaw Bay has found that the muck, formerly thought to be dominated by cladophora, may have shifted composition to spirogyra. Invasive species, nutrient runoff, and water levels will affect the severity of the muck problem this summer. (4/10/09)

JGLR 35(1) Online
Elsevier is now publishing the journal, starting with volume 35, Issue 1. Access is provided to all current (2009) members via ScienceDirect. Review the instructions to create your Elsevier account to view full-text articles (PDFs). Also check out the web releases for coverage of several of the articles. (4/5/09)

How the Earth Was Made: Great Lakes Video
The History Channel's "How the Earth Was Made" recently aired an episode exploring the formation of the Great Lakes. To view the episode, go to the History Channel's website, click on the "Full Episodes" tab, and select "How the Earth Was Made: The Great Lakes" from the playlist. (4/3/09)

Back-to-back snowy winters help replenish Great Lakes
Thanks to back-to-back winters with heavy snows, Great Lakes water levels are up from record lows. See the Green Bay Press-Gazette article here. (3/27/09)

Great Lakes Journalism Fellowships
Fellowship applications are now being accepted for the Great Waters Institute program. This journey through the Lake Erie Basin will explore parts of Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York from May 1 to May 9, 2009. Fourteen journalists selected to be Great Waters Fellows will examine timely issues of water, energy, food production, climate, fisheries, shipping, shoreline development and invasive-species control that apply throughout Great Lakes region. IJNR Fellowships cover all field expenses, including meals, lodging, chartered bus and excursion fees. If necessary, a modest stipend is available for help with travel expenses to and from Detroit, Michigan—the program’s hub city. The application deadline for this program is March 17. For more information, please visit www.IJNR.org. (3/2/09)

Great Lakes Scourge Infects West
Quagga mussels, an invasive species in the North American Great Lakes, were first found west of the Continental Divide on Jan. 6, 2007. Quagga mussels are now clogging Hoover Dam and colonizing western lakes and rivers. Ecological and economic effects that took decades to unfold in the Great Lakes have played out in a matter of months in Lake Mead. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on the westward expansion of quagga mussels can be read here. (2/26/09)

COSEE Great Lakes Shipboard and Shoreline Science Workshop Aboard the R/V Lake Guardian
The Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Great Lakes invites 4th-10th grade teachers and non-formal educators to participate in one of two week-long Shipboard and Shoreline Science workshops aboard the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 180-foot research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian. Educators will work beside scientists, participating in Great Lakes research and stopping in ports for additional science experiences. The workshops will offer first-hand explorations of Lakes Superior and Huron ecology, geology, geography, weather, and biogeochemical processes, with particular emphasis on human impacts and parallels between Great Lakes and ocean systems. Participants will be involved in the collection of planktonic and benthic organisms as well as water quality data collection and analysis. This is Great Lakes learning at its best! Applications and more information can be found here. (2/26/09)

Unique environments found in Lake Huron
Researchers have discovered unique environments in Lake Huron similar to those found in deep sea hydrothermal vents and Antarctic lake beds. Groundwater seeps are breaking down minerals from the ancient seabed beneath Lake Huron to create sinkholes in the lake floor. Plumes of purple cyanobacteria have colonized these salty, anaerobic environments, which may serve as catchments for decaying plant and animal material. Researchers hope to determine when the dissolving minerals were deposited and how quickly they are entering the lake environment. (2/26/09)

New Climate Change fact sheet available
"The Great Lakes at a Crossroads: Preparing for Climate Change" is the name of IAGLR's new fact sheet, prepared by the Outreach Committee. An accompanying document lists informative websites to learn more about Great Lakes climate change science. (2/25/09)

IAGLR Scholarships DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 15th!
Students have until March 15th to submit applications to various awards and scholarships, including: IAGLR Scholarship ($2,000), Paul W. Rodgers Scholarship ($2,000) and Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship ($6,000). View the Scholarship and Award guidelines for further details. (2/23/09)

Luring love-sick lampreys
Weiming Li, Nicholas Johnson and colleagues at Michigan State University recently published a landmark paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on sea lamprey pheromones. Their research findings point to exciting opportunities to increase the effectiveness of sea lamprey control efforts, by luring lampreys into traps. (1/26/09)

CELCP Request for Proposals
The Michigan Coastal Management Program is pleased to announce the release of it's Request for Proposals under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). Deadline Feb 13, 2009. Please see announcement for details. (1/22/09)

JGLR 34 (4) Online
Abstracts and full-text articles (PDFs) are now available online for JGLR 34, Number 4. Note that PDFs are available to the public through Feb. 11, 2009; after that time, they are available by electronic subscription only. Check out the web releases for coverage of several of the articles, and view the table of contents for convenient access to the complete content. (1/13/09)

Land Preservation Grants Available
Funding of up to $3 million per project is available to Ohio communities and other public entities along the Lake Erie watershed seeking to acquire land for preservation or recreation through the Coastal and Estuarine and Conservation Program (CELCP). The application deadline is Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. More information can be found here. (1/9/09)

IAGLR Announces New Address
The IAGLR Business Office has moved! Our new address: 4840 South State Road, Ann Arbor MI 48108. View the recent article on the new NOAA/GLERL building (12/16/08)

Great Lakes Fishery Commission Request for Proposals
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is now accepting Sea Lamprey and Fishery Research Program pre-proposals for research projects beginning in January 2010. The deadline for submitting pre-proposals is January 15, 2009. The Request for Proposals can be found on the GLFC website at: http://www.glfc.org/research/callprop.php (12/15/08)

Great Lakes Compact goes into Effect Today!
On Monday, December 8, the Great Lakes Compact went into effect. The compact is a multi-state treaty that limits the use of Great Lakes water. (12/8/08)

Growth of Invasive Species has Chicago Engineers Rethinking Waterways
The Great Lakes are connected to the Mississippi River via a man-made system of waterways in the Chicago area which were created in the early 1900s and famously reversed the flow of the Chicago River. Engineers consider ways to halt the movement of invasive species through these waterways. Additional information can be found in this article. (12/1/08)

MNR, Geological Survey ship count Lake Superior fish
Officials with the MNR and the U.S. Geological Survey have been trawling the North Shore of Lake Superior in the middle of the night, trying to find out just how many lake herring, or ciscoes, there are in this area. The MNR and U.S. Geological Survey have been busy this week as they try to measure the herring stocks on this side of Lake Superior. It's a species that is not only difficult to count, but difficult to catch as well, as they manage to avoid being caught in nets during the daytime. U.S. geologist Dan Yule said his crew does their best work at night, using a combination of sonar equipment and trawling nets. The ciscoes feed on plankton, and help the food chain by becoming food themselves for larger fish in Lake Superior. (11/19/08)

Great Lakes Commission urges support for Great Lakes infrastructure priorities in economic stimulus package
The Great Lakes Commission is urging Congress to include funding for critical Great Lakes infrastructure needs in the economic stimulus package currently being developed. (11/19/08)

IAGLR Announces New Logo
IAGLR is pleased to announce its new logo. Read all about the redesign and IAGLR's new partnership with Elsevier. (11/14/08)

Michigan Technological University Great Lakes Research Center
Last week the Lode announced a $25 million State of Michigan bill for a three-story Great Lakes Research Center on the Portage Canal including classrooms, coastal hydrology, mass spectrometry and fisheries restoration and laboratories and a boathouse. You can read more about the Michigan Tech research center here. (10/17/08)

Urmia Lake Crisis
Urmia Lake, an internationally important wetland, home of a unique brine shrimp (Artemia) species and seasonal settlement for thousands of migrating birds is in great danger. (10/5/08)

States sue EPA over water releases from ships
Nine states sued the Bush administration Thursday over federal rules on water dumped from ships, claiming there is an illegal loophole that could hurt fisheries and contaminate drinking water. (10/5/08)

President Bush Signs Great Lakes Compact
The future of the Great Lakes is secure, with foresighted plans now locked in place to safeguard their waters and health for generations to come. (10/5/08)

Call for Nominations for IAGLR Board
IAGLR seeks candidates for positions on its Board of Directors. We welcome your involvement, and encourage you to stand for election! Currently, there are openings for three Canadian members and one Canadian Student Board member. Please review the Call for Nominations. Deadline is December 15. (10/3/08)

Large Microcystis Bloom Found in Lake Erie
A large Microcystis bloom has recently been detected in the western basin of Lake Erie. Scientists at Michigan State University, the University of Toledo, and the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory are investigating the bloom. (9/23/08)

Congress Approves Great Lakes Compact
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by Congressmen John Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan), James L. Oberstar (D-Minnesota), Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Michigan) and Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio) passed a joint resolution providing consent to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. More information can be found on the Council of Great Lakes Governors website (http://www.cglg.org/). The press release can be found here. (9/23/08)

JGLR 34 (3) Online
Abstracts and full-text articles (PDFs) are now available online for JGLR 34, Number 3. Note that PDFs are available to the public through October 15, 2008; after that time, they are available by electronic subscription only. Check out the web releases for coverage of several of the articles, and view the table of contents for convenient access to the complete content. (9/15/08)

Michigan DEQ Seeks Watershed Management Plan Proposals
Approximately $3.2 million is anticipated to be available to develop watershed management plans meeting the DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria, or to implement elements of previously approved watershed management plans. Proposals must include a minimum of 10 percent local match for planning or 25 percent local match for implementation. Watershed management plans must be approved by the DEQ on or before October 22, 2008, to be eligible for implementation funds. Notices of Intent are due September 17, 2008. Full applications from invited entities are due October 29, 2008. Full information about this opportunity can be found here. (9/9/08)

Great Lakes Video - Modelling Pollution in the Great Lakes Part I
Modelling pollution in the Great Lakes Part I is the first video of a two part series addressing how modeling is used to understand pollution in the Great Lakes. The video is from the free online course "Modelling Pollution in the Great Lakes". For more information, visit The Open University's OpenLearn website: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2549 (9/3/08)

Great Lakes Video - Modelling Pollution in the Great Lakes Part II
Modelling pollution in the Great Lakes Part II is the second video of a two part series addressing how modeling is used to understand pollution in the Great Lakes. The video is from the free online course "Modelling Pollution in the Great Lakes". For more information, visit The Open University's OpenLearn website: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2549 (9/3/08)

Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference - Student Award Announcement
Student applications are currently being accepted for the 2008 Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award. Up to 25 outstanding students majoring in fisheries or wildlife management will be selected, formally recognized for their achievements, and invited to attend an exclusive breakfast held during the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in Columbus, Ohio on December 15, 2008. The application deadline is October 30. This award is made possible through collaborative efforts of the North Central Division and Ohio and Michigan chapters of the American Fisheries Society; the Ohio and Michigan chapters of The Wildlife Society; and the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference Steering Committee. For more information, please see this webpage. (9/3/08)

Great Lakes Video - Inland Seas:Understanding and Protecting the Great Lakes
Inland Seas: Understanding and Protecting the Waters of the Great Lakes, produced by Matthew Radcliff and Rebecca Klaper, features interviews with Great Lakes scientists, water managers, and policy experts. Inland Seas explains the basics of our water resources—from aquifers to watersheds—and how they fit into the water policy picture. You can watch the video here. (8/29/08)

Great Lakes Video – Congressman Ehlers on Aquatic Invasive Species
Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers speaks on the U.S. House floor about a measure in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2830) which will help curb the influx of aquatic invasive species in the United States. You can watch the video here. (8/29/08)

New book: Flood Recovery, Innovation and Response
This book contains papers originally presented at the First International Conference on Flood Recovery Innovation and Response (FRIAR), held in London, UK, which brought together academics, practitioners, and government officials to share information on the state of the art in this field. The conference papers address one of six main themes: Risk management in relation to flood events and climate change; Pre-event planning (both short- and long-term) and business continuity; Management of major events so that coherent and seamless frameworks of support are created; Post damage restoration and recovery; Victims of flooding - including physiological and psychological public health risks; and International & national government policy. The book will be of interest to practitioners, researchers, planners, and all others interested in the topic of flooding. (7/23/08)

IAGLR Executive Director Resigns
With the assistance of a grant from the Acheson Ventures Fund in Port Huron, IAGLR selected Dr. Robert A. Sweeney as it Executive Director last June. Bob established the Association’s office in Port Huron last September, and he has been actively promoting IAGLR’s business and image over the last year. He has brought IAGLR to the attention of members of the U.S. Congress and several Great Lakes legislators and their staffs as well as the media. He also has played important roles in helping the Outreach Committee develop its Fact Sheet on the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes and in helping the Conference Committee “green” our annual conference. I am sorry to say that Bob has resigned effective 31 August 2008. Please join me in wishing Bob and his wife, Phyllis, who has been working with Bob, the best. -- Ron Hites, IAGLR President (HitesR@Indiana.edu) (7/18/08)

IAGLR President's Message: Elsevier to Publish the Journal of Great Lakes Research
After a series of discussions with various publishers to determine how we could better publish and distribute our Journal, I am pleased to tell you that we selected Elsevier as our new publisher. Under the agreement I just signed, Elsevier will assume full publication of our Journal starting in January of 2009. This partnership between IAGLR and Elsevier will improve the development and influence of our Journal, expand its global reach, and increase its visibility through the availability of all current and past Journal papers in Elsevier’s ScienceDirect. The transition to Elsevier should be seamless. Authors will see a change in the fall as we streamline the submission process, making the process easier for authors and reviewers alike. Readers will see small changes in the Journal’s format and style starting with the first issue of 2009. The Board and Editor are pleased with this opportunity to expand the worldwide reach of our Journal and of your papers. -- Ron Hites, IAGLR President Full Presidential statement here (7/16/08)

New book: Water Pollution IX
Featuring papers presented at the Ninth International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Water Pollution, this new book from WIT Press includes the following topics: Coastal areas, lakes and rivers; Groundwater and aquifer issues; Environmental monitoring and sensing; Remediation; Experimental and laboratory work; Mathematical modelling; Oil spills; Wastewater treatment; Low cost technologies; Agricultural contamination; and Pollution prevention. (7/13/08)

IAGLR Announces 2010 and 2011 Conference Sites
The IAGLR Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Toronto, Ontario as the site for the 53rd Conference on Great Lakes Research in 2010. Dr. Miriam Diamond from the University of Toronto will serve as Conference Chair. Additionally, Duluth, Minnesota was chosen to host the 54th IAGLR Conference. Dr. Randall Hicks from the University of Minnesota-Duluth will serve as Chair of the 2011 conference. (7/13/08)

Great Lakes Fishery Commission Supports Ontario Lake Sturgeon Initiative
New restrictions on recreational harvest of native lake sturgeon in Ontario as well as efforts to deter illegal trade of "sturgeon and sturgeon products" are being lauded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Ontario's efforts demonstrate the provincial commitment to the restoration of this majestic native fish. (7/13/08)

JGLR 34 (2) Online
Abstracts and full-text articles (PDFs) are now available online for JGLR 34, Number 2. Note that PDFs are available to the public through July 22, 2008; after that time, they are available by electronic subscription only. Check out the web releases for coverage of several of the articles, and view the table of contents for convenient access to the complete content. (6/23/08)

IAGLR Recognizes Members for Service
IAGLR annually awards Certificates of Appreciation to members for outstanding service to the Association. At the recent 51st Conference on Great Lakes Research, IAGLR recognized Leslie Collins, Chris D. Metcalfe, Patricia Chow-Fraser, Stephen R. Hensler, Christopher H. Marvin, and Matt F. Simcik for their contributions. (6/21/08)

Journal of Great Lakes Research Editors Recognized
IAGLR recognizes outstanding support of the review process for the Journal of Great Lakes Research by presenting select Associate Editors with the IAGLR Editor's Award. For their exceptional editorial work during 2007, Joseph C. Makarewicz and Martin A. Stapanian received the Editor's Award at the recent 51st Conference on Great Lakes Research. (6/21/08)

IAGLR Announces the Jack R. Vallentyne Award
Created in 2008, the Jack R. Vallentyne Award recognizes important and sustained efforts to inform and educate the public and policymakers on Great Lakes issues, thereby raising awareness and support for Great Lakes protection and restoration. The first award was posthumously presented to its namesake, long-time IAGLR member and environmental scientist and educator, John R. "Jack" Vallentyne (a.k.a. "Johnny Biosphere"). (6/21/08)

IAGLR Announces Best Student Paper and Poster from 2007 Conference
IAGLR congratulates Claudia Bustos (University of Windsor) and Elizabeth Craig (Columbia University) for winning the IAGLR-HYDROLAB Best Student Poster and Paper Awards from the 50th Conference on Great Lakes Research, respectively. (6/15/08)

2008 IAGLR Scholarship Winners Announced
IAGLR recognized several students for their outstanding research promise at the recent 51st Conference on Great Lakes Research. IAGLR Scholarship winners were Amanda Haponski (University of Toledo) and James Roberts (University of Michigan). The Paul W. Rodgers Scholarship was awarded to Jonathan Deroba (Michigan State University), and Meghan Proctor (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) received the Norman S. Baldwin Fisheries Science Scholarship. Congratulations to all scholarship winners! (6/15/08)

Notable Articles from the Journal of Great Lakes Research Recognized
The Chandler-Misener Award is presented annually to the author(s) of the peer-reviewed paper judged to be "most notable" based on originality, contribution, and presentation. The 2007 Chandler-Misener recipients were Robert Shuchmann, Anton Korosov, Charles Hatt, Dmitry Pozdnyakov, Jay Means, and Guy Meadows for their paper "Verification and application of a bio-optical algorithm for Lake Michigan using SeaWiFS: a 7-year inter-annual analysis" (JGLR 32:258-279). The 2008 winners were Dimitry Beletsky, Doran Mason, David Schwab, Edward Rutherford, John Janssen, David Clapp, and John Dettmers for their paper "Biophysical model of larval yellow perch advection and settlement in Lake Michigan" (JGLR 33:842-866). (6/15/08)

Dr. Joseph Leach Receives 2008 IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
The IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes important and continued contributions to the field of Great Lakes research over a period of 20 years or more. At the recent 51st Conference on Great Lakes Research, Dr. Joseph Leach (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) received the 2008 award, recognizing his career of sustained excellence conducting large lakes research. (6/15/08)

Dr. Gerald Matisoff Recognized for Contributions to IAGLR
IAGLR is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Matisoff (Case Western Reserve University) is the 2008 recipient of the Anderson-Everett Award for his continued contributions to the Association over a number of years. (6/15/08)

Great Lakes Restoration and the Threat of Global Warming - Report
A new report by the Great Lakes Coalition examines the impacts global warming will likely have on the Great Lakes. The report can be found at: http://www.healthylakes.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/ how-global-warming-report-08.pdf (6/10/08)

IAGLR Welcomes Three New Board Members
Three new IAGLR Board of Directors members have begun terms of service as of May 21, 2008. Kristen DeVanna now serves as the new U. S. Student Board member, and Robert Heath and Joseph Makarewicz serve as regular Board members. (6/10/08)

Scuttlebutt to the Skinny on the IAGLR Shinny
THE SHINNY: Team IAGLR USA played host Team IAGLR Canada at the Evinrude Centre, Peterborough Ontario to compete in an ice hockey match for the Defy Cup at the closing of the 51st Annual Conference of the International Association for Great Lakes Research. THE SKINNY: Two real referees kept this match fair: Jeff Hanna (Environment Canada) and Chris Williams (Trent University). Rules included a center line offside. Periods were 20 minutes long with the final 5 minutes played with stop-time. Team IAGLR USA roster: Hunter Carrick (PSU), Matt Cooper (GVSU), Brendan Hickie (Trent), Nicholas Mandrak (DFO), Mike McKay (BGSU), Gordon Paterson (Trent), Tim Pascoe (Env Can), Eric Sager (Trent), Alfred Sandstrom (Fiskeriverket, Sweden), Matthew Simcik (Univ. Minn), Donald Uzarski (CMU), and Coach George Bullerjahn (BGSU). Team IAGLR Canada roster: Jon Arnott (Trent), David Depew (Trent), Paul Helm (OME), Adam Houben (Waterloo), Victoria Jackson (Waterloo), Shannon LeBlond (Queens), David Moore (Env. Can.), Meghan Puchniak (Waterloo), John Struger (Env. Can.), Michael White (Trent), Henry Wilson (Trent), and Coach Michael Twiss (Clarkson). Some players from one nation played for another, in recognition of the facts that the waters of th e Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River system are equally unbound. National anthems were sung by Chris Metcalfe and special guest Betsy McGregor. Ms. McGregor dropped the puck at the ceremonial faceoff. Catherine Masson collected contributions to decide MVP (whichever team collected the most funds for the IAGLR Scholarship Fund had the duly purchased privilege to select the game Most Valuable Player). The game was watched by near three score fans. The first 3.5 minute of play was non-stop with several shots on net at each end of the rink. Team IAGLR CANADA went up 3-0 in the first period. Team IAGLR USA scored to make it 3-1 early in the second frame. McKay scored a natural hat trick (sans chapeaux) to tie the game at 4 early in the third period. With 1.5 minutes left to play and Team IAGLR USA trailing 6-4, Coach Bullerjahn made a brilliant move to pull the Team IAGLR USA goalie in favor of an extra skater. Nick Mandrak brought the game to 6-5 with 30 seconds left to play. The final seconds were marked by frantic play in Team IAGLR Canada’s end until the puck was finally sent to the boards to end this closely contested inaugural match in favour of the host nation. The Defy Cup, donated by Clarkson University President Anthony Collins, was presented to Team IAGLR Canada and accepted by MVP Paul Helm. A contribution of $344.63 was made on behalf of IAGLR Hockey fans, supporters, players, and coaches to the IAGR Scholarship Fund. THE SCUTTLEBUTT: Ice time on a Tuesday evening at IAGLR 2009 in Toledo, Ohio is in the works to get even more fans and skaters involved. Make plans to be there - and consider donating to the IAGLR Scholarship Fund! (6/2/08)

Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region: Key messages for decision makers from Michigan State University conference
Michigan State University has held two recent conferences on “Climate Change in the Great Lakes: Decision Making Under Uncertainty,” with diverse attendees including researchers, decision makers, educators, activists, businesspeople, and citizens. During the conferences, participants identified key messages for decision makers: areas where there is consensus or at least very broad agreement. These key messages relate to (a) effects of climate change in the region, (b) ways of making climate-related decisions given uncertainty, (c) research needs, and (d) prescriptions for action. The report summarizing them is available at: http://www.environment.msu.edu/climatechange/2008/CC-key_messages.pdf. More information -- including conference presentations – is available at www.environment.msu.edu/climatechange (6/2/08)

IAGLR Hockey 2008 UPDATE
At this year’s IAGLR Conference in Peterborough, Ontario, a hockey challenge took place: Canada versus United States. Ice time was reserved at the Evinrude Centre from 3-5 pm, Friday May 23. A nominal fee was collected from each player and coaching staff to go towards a donation to the IAGLR Scholarship fund. A special thank you is extended to Michael Twiss for organizing this successful event! (5/27/08)

Sam Speck Appointment Gives IJC Full Complement of Commissioners
Sam Speck has been appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as one of the three U.S. members of the International Joint Commission (IJC). Under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, the IJC prevents and resolves disputes between the United States and Canada over the waters they share and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective advisor to the two governments. Among other matters, the IJC is currently studying whether and how water levels on the Great Lakes might be more effectively managed. With the appointment of Pierre Trépanier to the Canadian Section in April, the IJC now has a full compliment of six Commissioners in place. More information about the IJC is available at www.ijc.org. (5/18/08)

NY Times Highlights Long-term Monitoring on Lake Baikal
In a recent New York Times article, monitoring efforts by Russian scientists for over 60 years were highlighted, particularly stressing the importance of such data for research efforts. Check out the full article on the largest lake in the world. (5/18/08)

Ballast Legislation Passes House as Part of Coast Guard Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives made a huge step in protecting our waters from aquatic invaders today by passing legislation that ensures no living species will be discharged from ballast water tanks of ocean-going vessels. The legislation is Title V of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 2830) and requires installation of technology meeting current International Maritime Organization ballast discharge standards by as early as next year. Ships would then be required to begin installing treatment equipment in 2012 to meet a more rigorous standard that is one hundred times more stringent than the international standard. (4/24/08)

JGLR 33, Special Issue 3 Online
Abstracts and full-text articles (PDFs) are now available online for JGLR 33, Special Issue 3. Note that PDFs are available to the public through 4/30/08; after that time, they are available by electronic subscription only. Check out the web releases for coverage of several of the articles, and view the table of contents for convenient access to the complete content. (4/8/08)

The Economics of Banning Ocean Freighters in the Great Lakes
A Muskegon Chronicle article considers a study indicating that the banning of ocean freighters (a.k.a. "salties") from the Great Lakes could create jobs while slowing the introduction of new exotic species. (3/26/08)

20 Years After Zebra Mussel Invasion
Great Lakes United takes a look at twenty years of living with zebra mussels. Additional information on zebra mussels can be found at: http://www.glu.org/english/invasive_species/zebramussel/index.htm (3/20/08)

Great Lakes' Lower Water Levels Propel a Cascade of Hardships
The Washington Post examines the hardships brought to Great Lakes states due to decreased Great Lakes water levels. (1/28/08)

Availability of On-line ANS database (GLANSIS)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces the activation of the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System (GLANSIS), a “one-stop” information source for established nonindigenous aquatic species in the Great Lakes. GLANSIS is operated by NOAA as a Great Lakes node of the USGS national NAS database – allowing access to enhanced features and search capacity for Great Lakes-specific invasive species information while seamlessly linking to the national database. GLANSIS currently contains full profiles and distribution maps for more than 70% of the 185 nonindigenous aquatic species in the database (most exceptions being vascular wetland plants). (1/22/08)

---

For more Great Lakes regional announcements, see the GLIN-Announce archive.