Daily News

New ice cover data offers insight into whitefish declines, climate change

On: February 6, 2026

Using historical temperature records from weather stations around the region, researchers improved their understanding of where ice might have formed and for how long it lasted spanning the last 120 years. Researchers said this new data record could help with efforts like research on fish in the winter, regional climate and improving safety on the ice. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-ice-data-insights

PFAS levels in Great Lakes fish are dropping, study finds

On: February 6, 2026

A new study published last month in the Journal of Great Lakes Research shows that PFAS levels in Great Lakes fish are on the decline as manufacturers have phased out some chemicals in recent decades. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-pfas-fish

Is Ottawa County’s groundwater running out — and can snow help?

On: February 6, 2026

Ottawa County, Michigan, relies on two aquifers for groundwater: a shallow upper glacial aquifer and a much deeper one known as the Marshall Sandstone. When snow melts in the spring, it does help recharge the upper aquifer, but the deeper Marshall aquifer, the one many residents’ wells rely on, doesn’t get that same benefit. Read the full story by WZZM-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-groundwater-impacts

Lake Erie is nearly frozen over: Could it hit a rare full freeze?

On: February 6, 2026

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory show Lake Erie’s ice coverage surged from under 2% on January 14 to nearly 85% by January 21; coverage has increased since then, hovering near or above 95% since late January. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-lake-erie-ice

U.S. Justice Department weighs in on Enbridge Line 5 litigation

On: February 6, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to delay the shutdown of Enbridge Line 5 as the fight over whether or not to reroute or shut down the pipeline altogether plays out in the courts. Read the full story by WTMJ – Milwaukee, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-pipeline-litigation

All locked up: Winter maintenance efforts inside the Soo Locks

On: February 6, 2026

The Soo Locks have closed to marine traffic for their annual maintenance period, but the critical Great Lakes shipping gateway remains a hub of activity as engineers and technicians work to prepare the massive structures for another shipping season. Read the full story by WBUP – Marquette, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-lock-maintenance

Lake Ontario is the least likely of all five Great Lakes to freeze over. Why?

On: February 6, 2026

Due to such factors as its depth, climate, and orientation, Lake Ontario is not nearly as susceptible to freezing over as the other four Great Lakes. Read the full story by WROC-TV – Rochester, NY.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-lake-ontario-ice

Video shows upside down shipwreck 317 feet below the surface of Lake Huron

On: February 6, 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary recently shared a video of the 414-foot bulk freighter Etruria resting upside down at the bottom of Lake Huron. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-shipwreck-video

SS Badger 2026 season brings murder mystery, cruises to Lake Michigan

On: February 6, 2026

The S.S. Badger car and passenger ferry’s 2026 season will run from May 15 to October 11, making four-hour trips to and from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. The ferry will also host some special events, including an ’80s-themed murder mystery. Read the full story by the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-ferry-season

A frozen Lake Erie means no food for many

On: February 6, 2026

With nearly 95% ice coverage across Lake Erie, the food source destination for many animals is now inaccessible. The water is locked away from animals, including endangered species like the Little Gull. Read the full story by WEWS-TV – Cleveland, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260206-ecosystem-impacts

Lake Erie report card shows poor grades

On: February 4, 2026

The recently released binational “State of the Great Lakes 2025 Report” produced by the U.S. EPA and Environment Canada shows the condition of the Great Lakes. Read the full story by the Sandusky Register.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-erie-report-card

Ice coverage surges across Great Lakes; Lake Erie over 95% covered in ice

On: February 4, 2026

As of Tuesday afternoon, total ice coverage on the Great Lakes stands at 48.42%. It’s a significant jump that places this year well ahead of historical averages for early February. Read the full story by CBS News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-ice-cover

Great Lakes ports launch study to expand river-lake cargo connections

On: February 4, 2026

A group of Great Lakes ports and federal partners are launching a market study aimed at increasing cargo movements between the Great Lakes and the U.S. inland waterways system. Read the full story by WorkBoat.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-ports-study

How thick is the ice on the Great Lakes? Scientists want your help.

On: February 4, 2026

Scientists in the Midwest are asking for help from the public this winter to measure ice thickness on the Great Lakes and other inland lakes in the region, which they plan to use to improve ice-forecasting models. Read the full story by WXPR – Rhinelander, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-ice-thickness

How this river keeps unwanted fish away

On: February 4, 2026

As dams come down around the world, native fish are returning to their home waters. But invasive species are taking advantage of that same access. In Traverse City, Michigan, a fish obstacle course is keeping unwanted species out of a river. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-unwanted-river-fish

Port of Cleveland completes Irishtown Bend stabilization, setting stage for creation of public park

On: February 4, 2026

Ohio’s Port of Cleveland announced Monday that work has been completed on the stabilization of the Irishtown Bend hillside along the Cuyahoga River, a major infrastructure project officials say was necessary to prevent a potential collapse that could have blocked river traffic and disrupted regional commerce. Read the full story by WKYC-TV – Cleveland, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-cleveland-irishtown-bend

Could Lake Ontario freeze completely? It happened nearly a century ago

On: February 4, 2026

There’s some ice cover along the shallow parts of Lake Ontario this winter, but unlike Lake Erie, meteorologists predict it’s unlikely for Lake Ontario to freeze over. Read the full story by WHEC-TV – Rochester, NY.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-ontario-ice

Cherry Island will be permanently conserved

On: February 4, 2026

The Thousand Islands Land Trust and the Ontario Bays Initiative Land Trust are teaming up to ensure Cherry Island, in Lake Ontario’s Chaumont Bay, will remain undeveloped. They’ll also work together to protect Cherry Island’s wildlife habitat and water quality. Read the full story by WWNY-TV – Carthage, NY.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-cherry-island

Port of Duluth-Superior saw lowest tonnage since 1938

On: February 4, 2026

Unfavorable market trends, shifting trade lanes and President Trump’s trade war contributed to the nearly 15% decline in shipping. Read the full story by the Duluth News Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-duluth-shipping

Want to be a lighthouse keeper? Applications open for Tawas Point Lighthouse program in 2026

On: February 4, 2026

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has opened applications for the 2026 Lighthouse Keeper Program at Tawas Point Lighthouse. Read the full story by WXYZ-TV – Detroit, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260204-tawas-lighthouse

Spreading ice in Detroit region leads to ice cutters, jam fears and ice fishing

On: February 2, 2026

The long-term cold spell that has settled over Michigan has quickly expanded the ice cover on the Great Lakes and other waterways, forcing vessels to adapt, creating fears of ice jams and providing leisure activities for those wanting to take advantage of the thick ice. Read the full story by The Detroit News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-cold-spell-ice

Counting burbot

On: February 2, 2026

Researchers are partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to gather information on awareness, values and preferences for recreational burbot fishing within the Lake Superior basin. Read the full story by the Daily Mining Gazette.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-superior-burbot

Stricter ballast rules on freighters demanded to protect Great Lakes from invasive species

On: February 2, 2026

To prevent further spread of potentially catastrophic invasive species in the Great Lakes, the Canadian government is moving forward with tighter restrictions on all freighters. Read the full story by the Chicago Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-ballast-rules

Shifting sands: Where exactly are Michigan’s ‘critical’ dunes these days?

On: February 2, 2026

State officials are currently working to fully document the beauty, vastness, and variety of Michigan’s dunes with an enormous scientific project that could carry legal implications for coastal areas and the ability to build near them. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-michigan-dunes

Fully frozen Lake Erie shuts down lake-effect snow for the winter

On: February 2, 2026

Lake Erie is completely frozen over, with surveys showing an average ice thickness of about one foot, according to the U.S. Coast Guard website. The formation poses both opportunities and risks as winter settles in for the season. Read the full story by the Star Beacon.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-frozen-erie

UToledo Ecologists Lend Research Support to Sturgeon Reintroduction Efforts

On: February 2, 2026

An incidental catch of a lake sturgeon is rare. But it’s less of an angler’s tall tale than it once was, thanks to a collaborative effort to bring this legendary species back to the waters where it once swam abundantly in the eastern and central United States and Canada. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-sturgeon-reintroduction

Benton Harbor residents can sue over lead-tainted water, court rules

On: February 2, 2026

Benton Harbor residents and business owners can push forward on their lawsuit alleging the state of Michigan knowingly subjected people in the southwestern Michigan town to lead-tainted water for years, according to a new ruling from the state Court of Appeals. Read the full story by the Detroit Free Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-lead-lawsuit

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge crossings drop in 2025

On: February 2, 2026

The Sault St. Marie International Bridge that crosses between the United States and Canada over the St. Marys River experienced a 23.8% decrease over the past year during a time of heightened political tensions. Read the full story by WCMU Public Media.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-bridge-crossings

Trump’s trade war took a toll on shipments in the Twin Ports last year

On: February 2, 2026

Cargo shipments at the Port of Duluth-Superior slumped last year due to headwinds driven by unfavorable market trends, shifting trade lanes and President Donald Trump’s trade war. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260202-trade-war

What to know about the court ruling on public access to Lake Michigan

On: January 30, 2026

A Shorewood Municipal Court judge has ruled in favor of allowing less public beach access along Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – but the issue may not be settled yet. The case garnered attention as Wisconsin’s chance to finally settle the issue of where public access to Lake Michigan ends and where private landowners’ rights begin. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-beach-access

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Great Lakes ice surges in past week, 1 lake almost frozen over

On: January 30, 2026

The record-setting Arctic cold over the past week has caused ice to rapidly form on all of the Great Lakes. Each Great Lake now has more ice cover than the long-term average amount of ice. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-icy-lakes

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Communities, researchers measure ice thickness on the Great Lakes

On: January 30, 2026

Researchers want help from ice fishers and others who go onto frozen lakes to collect crucial data, which could improve ice forecasting on the Great Lakes. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-ice-measurements

Taaja Tucker-Silva

PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk – here’s how they get there

On: January 30, 2026

PFAS are posing a threat to the Great Lakes, one of America’s most vital water resources. There are many ways that PFAS enters the Great Lakes, including through rivers, groundwater, and even rain and snowfall. Read the full story by The Conversation.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-pfas-origins

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Calling all anglers, are you pulling Michigan’s ugliest fish from the ice?

On: January 30, 2026

These fish aren’t winning any beauty pageants, but they are becoming increasingly popular among ice fishers. Researchers want to know what anglers find so special about burbots. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-burbot-fishing

Taaja Tucker-Silva

From muddy waters to a “mosaic of vegetation”: how a project aims to restore the Sandusky Bay

On: January 30, 2026

A new construction project will restore 16 acres of wetlands and 2,000 feet of shoreline within Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay near Sandusky, Ohio. It’s a fraction of the 11,000 linear feet of shoreline the Nature Conservancy is working to restore altogether. Read the full story by The Ohio Newsroom.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-sandusky-bay

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Coast Guard frees 1,004-foot ship from Lake Erie ice

On: January 30, 2026

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay recently assisted with ice-breaking operations to free the 1,004-foot icebound freighter, American Spirit, on Lake Erie. Neah Bay broke through the ice to free, assist, and escort the vessel crossing the Great Lakes. Read the full story by the Port Clinton News Herald.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-ice-breaking

Taaja Tucker-Silva

OPINION: Preserving the shoreline: Suburban restoration project aims to protect Lake Michigan water and habitats

On: January 30, 2026

Sixty-one acres of rare and fragile ravine and shoreline habitats along Lake Michigan near Lake Forest, Illinois, will soon be restored and stabilized thanks to a $5.75 million federal grant. The project will also improve public access, as well as create offshore reefs and habitats in the lake itself. Read the full story by The Daily Herald.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-shoreline-restoration

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Thick ice at long last for winter anglers: NE Ohio fishing report

On: January 30, 2026

Arctic temperatures have anglers cutting holes in thick ice to go fishing, a welcome change after the warmer than usual winters in recent years. From ponds and lakes to the broad, ice-covered waters of Lake Erie, there are reports anglers are already finding success. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-erie-ice-fishing

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Arctic blast transforms Lake Superior—but experts warn the ice isn’t safe

On: January 30, 2026

After a week of bitter cold, Lake Superior is showing more ice—but experts say looks can be deceiving, and this ice is far from stable. Read the full story by Northern News Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260130-unsafe-ice

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Governor Whitmer releases 10-year Michigan Maritime Strategy

On: January 28, 2026

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Maritime Strategy, a 10-year plan with the goal to boost the state’s maritime industry, create jobs, and protect the Great Lakes. Read the full story by WBUP-TV – Marquette, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-gov-whitmer-ten-year-maritime-strategy-michigan

Hannah Reynolds

Public feedback is open for proposed sea lamprey barrier in Upper Peninsula

On: January 28, 2026

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking public comments on a proposed seasonal sea lamprey barrier on the Sucker River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The barrier is designed to block the invasive lamprey’s spread and make control efforts more effective. Read the full story by Michigan Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-public-feedback-sea-lamprey-barrier-upper-peninsula

Hannah Reynolds

Frozen Lake Huron creates shortcut to Canada. International ice bridge opens for 2026.

On: January 28, 2026

The international ice bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada is officially open. When the conditions are right, an approximately 12-mile stretch of Lake Huron creates a frozen path between Drummond Island, Michigan and St. Joseph Island, Ontario. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-frozen-lake-huron-international-ice-bridge

Hannah Reynolds

A window into the past’: How preservationists hope to restore Lake Michigan shoreline

On: January 28, 2026

A multimillion-dollar project will begin later this year to restore the shoreline, bluffs and ravines at the Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois, along Lake Michigan. Read the full story by the Daily Herald.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-window-past-preservationist-restore-lake-michigan

Hannah Reynolds

Ontario will sever Wasaga Beach park despite 98% disapproval in public comments

On: January 28, 2026

Ontario’s government has decided to transfer about 60 % of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the Town of Wasaga Beach to support local tourism and economic development, even though roughly 98% of public comments opposed the change due to concerns it could endanger sensitive piping plover habitat and reduce public protections for the shoreline. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-ontario-wasaga-beach

Hannah Reynolds

Lake Erie is frozen over. Is it safe to walk on?

On: January 28, 2026

Lake Erie is now nearly completely frozen over with rapidly growing ice cover due to persistent Arctic cold, making it the most ice-covered of the Great Lakes this winter. Officials warn despite a Great Lake being fully frozen, shifting ice can be unstable and hazardous. Read the full story by Erie Times-News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-lake-erie-frozen-over-safety

Hannah Reynolds

Lake Huron coastline monitoring program celebrating 20 years

On: January 28, 2026

The Lake Huron Coastal Centre’s Coast Watchers community science program is celebrating 20 years of shoreline monitoring, with volunteer citizen scientists collecting long-term data on coastal conditions, wildlife, pollution and storm impacts that help track environmental trends and support conservation and resiliency efforts along the Lake Huron coast. Read the full story by Kincardine News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-lakehuron-coastline-monitoring-program

Hannah Reynolds

Cold persists; Lake Superior ice cover growing rapidly

On: January 28, 2026

A prolonged cold spell is rapidly increasing ice coverage on Lake Superior — with ice cover jumping from about 6% to around 31% in recent weeks — as persistent sub-zero temperatures continue across the region. Read the full story by MPR News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-cold-persists-lakesuperior-icecover

Hannah Reynolds

Coast Guard advises caution for icebreaking in Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay

On: January 28, 2026

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking those using the ice on the bays of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay for fishing and recreation to be especially aware as the service’s ice breaking operations continue in the waters around Door County, Wisconsin. Read the full story by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-coast-guard-advises-icebreaking-greenbay

Hannah Reynolds

Lake Zurich takes $52 million step to bring Lake Michigan water to town

On: January 28, 2026

Lake Zurich, Illinois, officials last week authorized revenue bond issues of $52 million to secure low-interest loans from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as part of the village’s transition to Lake Michigan water. The target date for the transition is 2028. Read the full story by the Daily Herald.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260128-lake-zurich-lake-michigan-water

Hannah Reynolds

After Trump promised speed, Great Lakes carp barrier faces delay

On: January 26, 2026

Lawmakers from Michigan and Illinois are seeking answers from federal administrators this month about an “administrative review” pause in the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, a $1.5 billion project that aims to keep invasive carp out of Lake Michigan. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260126-carp-barrier-delays