Survey reveals impacts of U.S. federal actions on Great Lakes science

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2025

Scientists report disrupted research, lost careers, and weakened collaborations

Contacts: Paula McIntyre, Editor, Lakes Letter, mcintyre@iaglr.org, and Jérôme Marty, Executive Director, jmarty@iaglr.org

A new survey conducted by the International Association for Great Lakes Research IAGLR) reveals deep concern among scientists about the effects of recent U.S. federal actions on Great Lakes research. The findings, published in the summer issue of Lakes Letter magazine (Science Under Threat), document widespread disruption to scientific programs, personal careers, and international collaborations that are critical to protecting and restoring the Great Lakes.

Survey respondents report canceled fieldwork, halted data collection, and the dismantling of long-term monitoring efforts—undermining progress against invasive species, harmful algal blooms, and climate change. The results also highlight the loss of institutional knowledge following layoffs and early retirements, along with concerns about declining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Many respondents describe the emotional toll of instability and disillusionment, while others warn of lasting impacts on graduate training, recruitment, and public trust in science.

“This isn’t just people losing jobs. We are losing our entire careers and being told our work is wasteful,” one participant explained. “The services we provide are benefiting and protecting the public—even if they don’t realize it.” Another summed it up bluntly: “We lost 20 years of monitoring overnight.”

The article underscores how these challenges are reshaping both the science and the scientists charged with safeguarding the Great Lakes. It features direct quotes from respondents, capturing the professional and personal fallout alongside calls for resilience and continued commitment.

The release of this survey coincides with World Lake Day, a reminder of the global importance of protecting freshwater systems. While the day celebrates the value of lakes worldwide, these findings highlight the urgent need to support the science and people dedicated to understanding and protecting them.

“These findings are a wake-up call in both the US and Canada,” says Jérôme Marty, executive director of the association. “Science is not a luxury reserved for the select few—it is the foundation of our health, economy, and environment. Every lost job, every canceled program, every silenced scientist is a loss for all of us.”

IAGLR urges policy makers to restore funding and strengthen protections for scientific integrity before long-term damage becomes irreversible.

In addition to the survey, the Science Under Threat issue explores how institutions, researchers, and field programs are navigating uncertainty, from setbacks in the field and lab to calls for renewed support, long-term binational planning, and resilience.

 

The full article and issue are available online:

Lakes Letter Summer 2025
Science Under Threat

About IAGLR
The International Association for Great Lakes Research is a scientific organization made up of researchers studying the Laurentian Great Lakes, other large lakes of the world, and their watersheds. IAGLR’s mission is to advance understanding of the world’s great lake ecosystems. Learn more about IAGLR on our website.