The Great Lakes are integral to the economic and cultural vitality of Michigan. However, their health is threatened by toxic contaminants, outdated sewage infrastructure, invasive species and a lack of coordinated conservation efforts. Restoration is critical to keeping the region environmentally and economically viable.
Restoration projects throughout the region are targeted to improve fishing, birding, hunting and swimming for Michigan residents and tourists. In addition, restoration will likely raise property values around Areas of Concern (e.g., Saginaw Bay) and reduce the costs of municipal water treatment. Learn more about the projects by exploring the links to the left.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The Great Lakes received $475 million for restoration efforts in 2010, as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, or GLRI. Michigan Sea Grant was awarded more than $1.5 million to help restore particular areas in the region and is leading two projects while assisting on five others. The projects focus on endangered fish, invasive species, beach contamination, water pollution and sound boating and marina operations.
Projects led by Michigan Sea Grant
- Restoring Native Fish Habitat in the St. Clair River
Total Funding: $1,040,000 over a 2-year period
New underwater reefs are being constructed in order to encourage native fish reproduction, like lake whitefish, walleye and lake sturgeon. Studies before and after construction will allow biologists to evaluate the impact of the work and improve future habitat restoration efforts. See: Fish Restoration in the St. Clair River
- Green Marina Education and Outreach
Total Funding: $478,262 over a 3-year period
Clean Marina programs in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin are focusing on a plan to reduce pollution from boating and marina activities throughout the region. The project partners also aim to establish uniform certification standards that can be applied to marinas throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. The project will additionally support more marinas in completing certification.
See: Green Marina Project
Partner Projects
Michigan Sea Grant is collaborating on five projects led by other institutions. A portion of these grants will support the work of Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educators.
- Outreach to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
(Sea Grant Extension Educator Dan O’Keefe) - Expanding Vessel-based Education Programs
(Sea Grant Extension Educator Steve Stewart) - Controlling Phragmites along Lake St. Clair
(Sea Grant Extension Educator Mary Bohling)
See: Marsh Restoration Project - Beach Information Communication System
(Sea Grant Extension Educator Sonia Joseph Joshi) - Laser Technology for Tracking Beach Contaminants
(Sea Grant Extension Educator Sonia Joseph Joshi)
