Jim Hurley

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/honor-for-former-wri-director/

“Skill, tenacity, humility and compassion”: Jim Hurley, director of the Aquatic Sciences Center, to retire

On: October 9, 2023

In: Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, James Hurley, Jim Hurley, retirement

After 11 years as the director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Aquatic Sciences Center, Jim Hurley will retire on Oct. 13.

A portrait of Jim Hurley, director of the Aquatic Sciences Center

Jim Hurley, director of the Aquatic Sciences Center. Photo credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant

Hurley oversees both Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Water Resources Institute, two federal-state partnership programs that support research, education and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Under his leadership, both programs have addressed some of Wisconsin’s most pressing water issues—PFAS in drinking water, rising levels of radium in groundwater, coastal erosion, flooding and so much more—and provided research opportunities for the next generation of water professionals.

Jon Pennock, director of the National Sea Grant College Program, said Hurley’s leadership is one reason why Wisconsin Sea Grant is the well-respected program it is today.

“Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Anders Andren, Jim has led Wisconsin Sea Grant to preeminence in the Sea Grant network of 34 programs across all of our coastal and Great Lakes states, Puerto Rico and Guam. He has done so with a combination of skill, tenacity, humility and compassion that serves as an inspiration to all of us in Sea Grant who have worked with him,” said Pennock.

Hurley, an expert on mercury in the Great Lakes, also serves as a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He’s published over 100 research articles and worked on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advisory board that developed a risk assessment for mercury emissions.

His career and leadership philosophy reflect the importance of multidisciplinary research—and sharing that research outside the university with communities across the state.

“The Wisconsin Idea is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life,” said Hurley. “It defines our Sea Grant and Water Resources institutes’ missions, and it’s embraced by our researchers, outreach specialists and educators.”

Jim Hurley chats with another gallery-goer in front of a photo of a water lily.

Hurley talks with a student photographer at an event showcasing the Zaaga’igan Ma’iinganag Lakewolves program. Photo credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant

As director, Hurley also prioritized research experiences for undergraduates, launching what would eventually become the Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program, an initiative about which he is proud.

He served on the steering committee of the Freshwater Collaborative, a state-supported partnership between 13 UW System schools that funds water education and research opportunities for students.

Marissa Jablonski, the executive director of the Freshwater Collaborative, said Hurley was a strong advocate who helped secure legislative funding for the program. Hurley, quite literally, always answered the call.

“I could call him on less than a day’s notice saying, ‘There’s an event tonight in Madison; I simply cannot be there. I wish I could, I’m double-booked, the legislators will be there—is there any way you can go?’ And he would not even take a breath and say, ‘I’ll be there.’”

When it was easy to get bogged down in the details of funding and organizing multi-institution collaborative, Hurley always saw the big picture.

“He was the steering committee member who could easily zoom out in these really difficult conversations and say, let’s keep a perspective on the UW system, Wisconsin Idea and let’s see how we all fit together,” said Jablonski.

Hurley stands among a group of ASC colleagues posing for a photo

Hurley celebrates James “Frizby” Grandt’s retirement with colleagues. Photo credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant

Pennock also lauded Hurley’s ability to bring perspective to big, thorny problems.

“I have seen Jim lead his staff and rally the Sea Grant network during his time as president of the Sea Grant Association. Each time, people with sometimes different views and approaches ultimately followed his lead, supported his efforts and had his back because everyone knew that Jim understood the big picture and complex landscape of each issue and, as importantly, always had their backs,” said Pennock.

Hurley, of course, is quick to redirect the warmth of such high praise to his colleagues.

“Over the past few years, my respect for our ASC staff has continued to grow. They accepted the challenges posed by the pandemic and continued to provide excellent service to Wisconsin citizens. More importantly, they also responded to national social unrest by committing to enhancing diversity, inclusivity, environmental justice and access in all their programming,” said Hurley.

“I’m proud, as an administrator, to have played a small part working alongside a group like that.”

The post “Skill, tenacity, humility and compassion”: Jim Hurley, director of the Aquatic Sciences Center, to retire first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/skill-tenacity-humility-and-compassion-jim-hurley-director-of-the-aquatic-sciences-center-to-retire/

Jenna Mertz

Event celebrated Great Lakes friends, champions, researchers and students

On: August 28, 2023

In: Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Fellows Convocation, Friend of Sea Grant Award, Great Lakes Champion Award, J. Val Klump, Jim Hurley, Julie Kinzelman, Larry MacDonald, Val Klump

The concept of work-life balance has found a foothold in contemporary culture. Under the concept, individuals are encouraged to, yes, undertake toil and tasks but also pause for recreation and reflection on life’s non-laboring moments. It’s a way to recharge.

Celebrating that balance, the recent 2023 Sea Grant and University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) Fellows Convocation and Awards Event brought together people who have worked—engaging in water science and sharing that science through policymaking, communication, education and extension—and then provided them with a recharging moment in the sun.

The event commemorated four award-winners, 21 post-graduate fellows, three undergraduate scholarship winners and 61 summer undergraduate scholars.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore received a 2023 Friend of Sea Grant Award. Moore has served the 4th District of Wisconsin for 19 years in the U.S. Congress, and prior to that she was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature. In both roles, she fostered the pursuit of understanding and science-based management of our state’s water resources, saying she “did it for love.”

Two people standing side by side jointly holding a shiny award.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore smiles while receiving a Friend of Sea Grant Award from Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute Director Jim Hurley.

Moore further reminisced, “I remember the night that I won the nomination and won the seat to represent the 4th Congressional District. I thanked all the people who were there at the Hyatt Regency. Then, I said, ‘Thank, God. I now get to represent Lake Michigan because my assembly districts didn’t touch the lake.’ And truly, since the day I have been there, I have leaned into doing anything and everything I can to preserve this treasure (as she pointed emphatically at the lake outside of event venue’s windows) to not only Milwaukee, not only Wisconsin, but the world.”

Another influential woman, Julie Kinzelman, was named Wisconsin Sea Grant Great Lakes Champion for 2023. She emerged from a competitive process that saw nominations come in for a number of impressive people and organizations across the Great Lakes Basin. This former public health official from Racine stood out to judges because of her sustained and far-reaching efforts to ensure access for everyone to coastal spaces.

The award is presented every two years to recognize a long-term commitment to the care and concern for the Great Lakes. Kinzelman is a founding member of the Great Lakes Beach Association, a network of 1,000 beach professionals from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand who share knowledge, prioritize research and discuss management.

Person standing at a podium with water and a boat in the background.

Julie Kinzelman accepted the 2023 Wisconsin Sea Grant Great Lakes Champion Award.

As a city employee, Kinzelman investigated the sources of beach pollution in Racine, tested her own remediation approaches, secured funding for research and mitigation and successfully completed many remediation projects transforming these Lake Michigan beaches from places of frequent closure into nationally recognized recreational destinations.

“The work of Wisconsin Sea Grant, and its many collaborating partners, to promote the sustainable use of Great Lakes resources through research, education and outreach truly leads to thriving coastal ecosystems and communities,” Kinzelman said. “The challenges facing the Great Lakes and their coastal communities are great, and the road long, but together incremental progress can made to the benefit of this one-of-a-kind internationally significant resource.”

The 2023 Wisconsin Sea Grant Actionable Science Award went to J. Val Klump. He said, “I just went back through my records and looked at the support that Sea Grant provided me and my colleagues since I joined UW-Milwaukee in 1980, 14 research grants spanning 38 years. Without the Wisconsin Sea Grant Program, I think it is safe to say that I would not have had the research opportunities, many of which led to funding by other agencies, that were the basis of my career—and launched those of all of my doctoral students.” He continued, “I am very humbled by this. And of course, I did not do this alone. I have had many wonderful colleagues and students.”

Klump is the former dean and a retired professor from the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He spent more than 500 days at sea on research cruises as he studied how carbon and nutrients move through and influence the world’s lakes. His work has informed policies set by the International Joint Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The final award-winner was Larry MacDonald, who said he was honored to take home the 2023 Wisconsin Sea Grant Distinguished Service Award. After a productive 24-year tenure with the Sea Grant Advisory Council, he is stepping down. MacDonald has also served as chairman of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council and is a former mayor of Bayfield, Wisconsin. His wise counsel has been invaluable to the success of the Sea Grant program in fostering the health and use of the Great Lakes.

In the background, two people holding an award. A photographer standing in the foreground.

Longtime member of the Sea Grant Advisory Council Larry MacDonald is stepping down from this role after more than 20 years. He took home a Sea Grant Distinguished Service Award.

As for the many post-graduate and undergraduate students who were feted, they represent a bright future for water science in labs, the field, halls of policymaking and private industry. The group includes:

-Five Dean John A. Knauss Fellows. Four of the group completed their one-year Washington, D.C.-based experience in 2022 and the current fellow is Mary Solokas who is working in a NOAA office that facilitates research in dangerous or remote areas by using remotely operated instruments. Her placement is in the nation’s executive branch, which is where three of the 2022 fellows landed. The fourth from 2022 was in the legislative branch, in the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

-Twenty-one post-graduate fellows. The majority of this group were or currently are placed in partner state or federal agencies providing their cutting-edge knowledge on topics such as PFAS contamination, resilience or harmful algal blooms to assist in solving difficult science-based challenges. In turn, the fellows gain real-world experience and mentoring from professionals in the U.S. EPA or Wisconsin departments of Administration, Natural Resources or Health Services. Three of this overall post-graduate cohort fall under the UW-Milwaukee Center for Water Policy – Sea Grant – Water Resources Institute Water Policy Specialists Program. Here, these emerging lawyers immerse themselves in applied research seeking multidisciplinary water policy solutions.

-Three winners of the Carl J. Weston Scholarship. It is presented in even-numbered years to undergraduate students working on a Wisconsin Sea Grant-supported project. The winners from 2022 were Hali Jama of UW-Madison who was a producer and on-air voice for a Sea Grant podcast, The Water We Swim In; Elisabeth Bautista who was a summer limnological researcher and is a UW-Madison student; and Daniel Sherman from UW-Milwaukee who is doing aquaculture research. This scholarship was established in 1995 by Dr. and Mrs. Carl B. Weston and is named in honor of their son Carl J. Weston.

-Ten undergraduates in 2022 and 11 in 2023. These students spent summers working alongside Sea Grant extension, education and communications staff members as part of the Summer Outreach Opportunities Program. The students came from across the nation and were selected through a competitive process that set them up for a 10-week experience to learn more about and contribute to ongoing work on topics such as water safety, aquatic invasive species education, fish sampling and video production. To prepare them for graduate studies or the workforce, whatever their path may be, the program also provided networking, training and a chance to publicly present their projects.

Group of four people standing shoulder to shoulder.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (second from left) said she enjoyed meeting and speaking with summer research scholars in attendance.

-Nine undergraduates in 2022 and 31 in 2023. These undergraduates were part of the Summer Research Opportunities Program. This program was piloted in 2022 thanks to Sea Grant, WRI, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School and the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. Significant contributions were also made by Water@UW Madison and the federal agency and faculty mentors who nurtured these students who came from across the nation to engage in hands-on, 10-week research experiences in freshwater fields. In 2023, the program was expanded and included mentors from campuses throughout the University of Wisconsin System, as well as external partners. The experience enhances workforce development skills and allows undergraduates to consider the option of graduate studies in Wisconsin. Research experience as an undergraduate is an important component of a successful application for graduate school. In the job market, it also sets apart recent undergraduates who have addressed the changing needs of water-related fields.

At the conclusion of last week’s event, Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute Director Jim Hurley reflected on the dedicated and talented honorees: “Thank you for attending. Thank you for recognizing all of these people. Based on their work and commitment, we are all going to be OK.” It’s likely that the Great Lakes will be as well.

The post Event celebrated Great Lakes friends, champions, researchers and students first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/event-celebrated-great-lakes-friends-champions-researchers-and-students/

Summer loving and the research is fine

On: June 5, 2023

In: 2023 Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program, Alison Mikulyuk, Jim Hurley, Marissa Jablonksi

When summer stretches before many college undergraduates, they make plans: Spend time outdoors. Connect with friends. Catch up on screen time.

For the 31 undergraduates participating in the 2023 Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program, those plans are the same, with slight alterations. The time outdoors is likely to be spent collecting field samples from a body of water. The friends are new ones—made from the pool of program participants who hail from California to Alabama from Virginia to Wisconsin, and points in between. The screen time isn’t about beating The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but instead entering findings into a larger dataset to further aquatic science projects.

“I looked at many summer REU (research experiences for undergraduates) opportunities,” Sofia Mota Chichy, chemistry major from the University of Michigan, said. “This one at Madison had the most in water chemistry and that’s what I am interested in. I’ve never worked in a chemistry lab before and it’s even better that it is an aquatic one.” Mota Chichy will be a part of University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Christine Remucal’s lab studying magnesium oxide.

Jessica Alcorn is an undergraduate who will join a water research lab at UW-Madison this summer. Contributed photo.

A second young woman also expressed her attraction to this opportunity because of its emphasis on water. Plus, said Jessica Alcorn a student at Northwest Missouri State, “I want to go to graduate school here in Madison.” She’ll work under UW-Madison’s Matt Ginder-Vogel, who does both surface and groundwater research.

These springboards from research to a new path in life were celebrated by an enthusiastic Marissa Jablonski at a recent orientation session for the students. “Life will form you without you trying. You’re on your way. You’ve shown up. You’re leaning in.”

Jablonski is the executive director of the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, one of the funding entities for the summer program, about which, the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute Director Jim Hurley said, “It’s been really positive to be able to expand our program because of support from the Freshwater Collaborative. Last year, we were a fledgling program of nine students.” Hurley secured a nearly $358,300 grant from the collaborative, resulting in this year’s larger cohort.

No matter the size of the group, though, Hurley said the goal remains unchanged, “The overall goal is to provide immersive student research experiences to enhance workforce development skills and allow undergraduates to consider the option of graduate studies in Wisconsin. Research experience as an undergraduate is an important component of a successful application for graduate school. In the job market, it also sets apart recent undergraduates who have addressed the changing needs of water-related fields.”

Group of people standing in a grassy area. — Summer research scholars had many orientation activities before heading to their assignments across the state. Photo by Alison Mikulyuk

Expanding the number of participating students is one thing, another is the broadened involvement from professors, graduate students and others at organizations that are acting as mentors for the students. There are 48 in all, including people on University of Wisconsin System campuses in Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee and Oshkosh. Also providing formative experiences will be mentors from the U.S. Geological Survey, the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

In application materials, students this summer expressed interest in pursuing research into topics such as pollution, climate change, molecular structures of water, public health and more. The projects will deliver on that skill-building, spawning a new generation of water leaders. While the students will disperse across the state for these labs and field sites, they have a standing invitation to gather each Thursday virtually—and in-person if they are in Madison—for weekly professional development sessions on topics like science communication, navigating graduate school and proposal writing.

They will add these skills to their already prodigious ones in other areas that demonstrate well-rounded natures. At the orientation session, Alison Mikulyuk, summer research opportunity program coordinator, called out fun facts when she said among the group there was a proficient loon caller, a mushroom finder, dancers, an aspiring author, someone who graduated from high school as a 14-year-old, a boxer, world-medalist baton twirler, two twins, competitive swimmers, a multi-instrumentalist, many who play instruments and several who speak more than one language.

Mikulyuk urged the undergraduates to enjoy those skills of others, and also capitalize on the people who possess them, “Learn from each other. Care for each other…Take advantage of personal and professional connections.” She continued, “I hope you will have a life-changing experience that propels you forward in your next decades.”

The program will run until Aug. 5, culminating in a poster session where students will present their summer’s worth of findings.

In addition to the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and the Water Resources Institute, the summer program has support from Wisconsin Sea Grant, Water@UW Madison and the UW-Madison Graduate School.

The post Summer loving and the research is fine first appeared on WRI.

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/summer-loving-and-the-research-is-fine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-loving-and-the-research-is-fine

In: 2023 Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program, Alison Mikulyuk, enthusiastic Marissa Jablonski, Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Jim Hurley, Sofia Mota Chichy, Water@UW-Madison

Summer loving and the research is fine

On: June 5, 2023

When summer stretches before many college undergraduates, they make plans: Spend time outdoors. Connect with friends. Catch up on screen time.

Smiling person standing in a grassy, wooded area.

Sofia Mota Chichy will research magnesium oxide. Contributed photo.

Jablonski is the executive director of the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, one of the funding entities for the summer program, about which, Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley said, “It’s been really positive to be able to expand our program because of support from the Freshwater Collaborative. Last year, we were a fledgling program of nine students.” Hurley secured a nearly $358,300 grant from the collaborative, resulting in this year’s larger cohort.

The 2023 cohort of summer research scholars undertook various orientation activities, including a tour of the UW-Madison Arboretum. Photo: Alison Mikulyuk

The program will run until Aug. 5, culminating in a poster session where students will present their summer’s worth of findings.

In addition to the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and Sea Grant, the summer program has support from the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, Water@UW Madison and the UW-Madison Graduate School.

The post Summer loving and the research is fine first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/summer-loving-and-the-research-is-fine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-loving-and-the-research-is-fine

Sea Grant impact in Green Bay: More than $8.8 million invested in research

On: May 23, 2023

In: 175th anniversary, Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, Erin Giese, Green Bay, Jim Hurley, Lower Green Bay, Mayor Eric Genrich, Nicole Van Helden, The Nature Conservancy, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Current outreach efforts focused on flood resilience, water quality enhancement and conservation

Wisconsin Sea Grant has provided Great Lakes research, education and outreach in the state since 1968 and in that time funded 91 Green Bay-focused research projects, investing more than $8.8 million. Some of the research was conducted by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay-based scientists. Other projects were undertaken by researchers from Lawrence University, St. Norbert College and University of Wisconsin schools based in Milwaukee, Madison and Stevens Point who came to the Lower Fox River-Green Bay.

In 1978, Sea Grant sited a field office in the culturally, recreationally and economically important Green Bay watershed. During a news event today, Sea Grant explored past research on topics such as contaminants, the Lake Michigan food web and water quality. It also reflected on its alignment with the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, using that as a base from which to respond to local needs, which currently are centered on assisting communities in building flood resilience, enhancing water quality and fostering conservation of natural resources.

Speakers came from Sea Grant, and others who made comments were Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich; Erin Giese, interim director of the Cofrin Center; and Nicole Van Helden, director of land conservation with The Nature Conservancy. Each speaker highlighted the value of collaborating to fulfill a commitment to what has been termed the world’s largest freshwater estuary, with the city of Green Bay sitting at its head.

At the Jack Day Environmental Educational Center at the mouth of the Fox River with the shining waters of Lake Michigan behind him, Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley said, “For more than 50 years, Sea Grant has embraced and activated a model of strong science to underpin decisions that serve the people of Green Bay and surrounding areas.” He continued, “We also look to the future when that kind of research investment will continue, along with the important science outreach our specialist based at UW-Green Bay, Julia Noordyk, provides on water quality and coastal community issues.”

Close-up of a person wearing glasses, suit, tie and smiling.

Green Bay Eric Genrich is working with Sea Grant staff on addressing flooding issues in the East River watershed. Photo credit: city of Green Bay

“The city of Green Bay has benefitted tremendously from the close partnership that exists between city staff and UW Sea Grant,” said Mayor Genrich. “We’ve collaborated deeply on efforts to prevent flooding and develop neighborhood resiliency within the East River watershed, which is vitally important work to improve the quality of our natural resources and strengthen our community.”

Giese said, “We are excited to celebrate Sea Grant’s huge conservation successes over the years and are grateful to partner with them at Wequiock Creek Natural Area as we bring Indigenous voices back to the land. We are privileged to coordinate an annual tobacco blessing with Sea Grant and UW-Green Bay’s First Nations Studies.”

“We are so fortunate to have Wisconsin Sea Grant working in northeast Wisconsin,” said Van Helden. “They are an essential partner with local presence, expertise in both social and environmental science and an ability to make lasting, positive change. Our work together in the East River watershed is increasing local flood resiliency. Sea Grant staff member Julia Noordyk helped design the ongoing project and two key ingredients were, first, listening to the needs of the flood-impacted communities, then, creating knowledge-sharing opportunities to find flood solutions together.”

The event was also a part of the celebration of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s 175th anniversary. Sea Grant is a program of the University of Wisconsin System, with its headquarters on the flagship campus. Sea Grant also has field offices at the UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Superior.

The post Sea Grant impact in Green Bay: More than $8.8 million invested in research first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/sea-grant-impact-in-green-bay-more-than-8-8-million-invested-in-research/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sea-grant-impact-in-green-bay-more-than-8-8-million-invested-in-research

In: Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars, Jim Hurley, Manasi Simhan, University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute

Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program opportunities now open

On: November 2, 2022

Based on the success of a pilot program on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus last summer, 31 undergraduate Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars opportunities are now open for application.

“The experience over summer definitely cemented my interest in research,” said Manasi Simhan, who was in the 2022 nine-person cohort and participated in a Wisconsin River sediment analysis led by Eric Roden of the UW-Madison Department of Geoscience. “If I had a chance to do it again, I would definitely do it again.”

Like Simhan, summer 2023 undergraduates will be matched with water-related faculty mentors and graduate students to align interests and grow skills applicable to post-graduate studies and future careers. There will be professional development and cross-campus programing, concluding with the chance for students to present results of their individual projects in a group setting.

In-state undergraduate applicants are encouraged to select opportunities that are not on their home campus in an effort to increase collaboration among the eight University of Wisconsin System campuses participating in 2023. Those campuses are Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Manitowoc-Green Bay, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Superior. Find details and apply at this link: https://water.wisc.edu/wateruw-madison-undergraduate-research-experience The deadline is Feb. 15, 2023.

An additional goal of the program is to create a diverse academic environment by increasing the number of traditionally underserved students in Wisconsin graduate programs, and ultimately, a well-prepared freshwater workforce.

Standing man wearing sunglasses talking with seating listeners and a lake in the background.

Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley enthusiastically describes the summer of research and collaborative learning to come at the kick-off of the summer 2022 scholars’ experience. Photo: Bonnie Willison.

Wisconsin Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley said, ““We’ve had great success with the pilot program last year and we’re anxious to greatly expand opportunities statewide so students can work alongside more of the UW System’s outstanding water researchers.”

The program will run from May 31 through Aug. 5, 2023. In terms of remuneration, there is a $6,000 stipend, $600 meal allowance and provision of housing.

The 2023 freshwater science experiences are funded by Sea Grant and its sister organization, the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, along with resources from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin.

The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is training the next generation of scientists to solve global water resource problems through academic program, collaborative research and career development across the UW System.

The post Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program opportunities now open first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/freshwateruw-summer-research-scholars-program-opportunities-now-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freshwateruw-summer-research-scholars-program-opportunities-now-open

Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program opportunities now open

On: November 2, 2022

In: Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars, Jim Hurley, Manasi Simhan, Wisconsin Sea Grant

large group of people sitting at tables outdoors with a lake in the background — Water Resources Director Jim Hurley addresses the first gathering of researchers and freshwater summer scholars in 2022.

Based on the success of a pilot program on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus last summer, 31 undergraduate Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars opportunities are open for application today.

In-state undergraduate applicants are encouraged to select opportunities that are not on their home campus in an effort to increase collaboration among the eight University of Wisconsin System campuses participating in 2023. Those campuses are Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Superior. Find details and apply at this link: https://water.wisc.edu/wateruw-madison-undergraduate-research-experience The deadline is Feb. 15, 2023.

Jim Hurley, director of the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI), said, ““We’ve had great success with the pilot program last year and we’re anxious to greatly expand opportunities statewide so students can work alongside more of the UW System’s outstanding water researchers.”

The program will run from May 31 through Aug. 5, 2023. In terms of remuneration, there is a $6,000 stipend, $600 meal allowance and provision of housing.

The 2023 freshwater science experiences are funded by WRI and its sister organization the Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program, along with resources from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin.

The post Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars Program opportunities now open first appeared on WRI.

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/freshwateruw-summer-research-scholars-program-opportunities-now-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freshwateruw-summer-research-scholars-program-opportunities-now-open

Let there be cake! Sea Grant celebrates 50 years at River Talks

On: June 27, 2022

In: Anders Andren, Deanna Erickson, James Hurley, Jenny Van Sickle, Jim Hurley, Joel Hoffman, River Talks, Robert Ragotzkie, Wisconsin Sea Grant 50th anniversary

Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant

The final River Talk for the 2021-22 season was held in May at the Lake Superior Estuarium and online. Jim Hurley, director of Wisconsin Sea Grant, presented, “Sea Grant at 50: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” examining the formation of this science-based organization devoted to sustainable use and protection of Great Lakes resources. He also discussed Sea Grant’s current work and where it is headed as it looks forward to the next 50 years.

Jim Hurley, Wisconsin Sea Grant Director. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Hurley is also a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include the cycling of mercury in the Great Lakes. He is the third director in Wisconsin Sea Grant’s history, having taken the helm in 2012. From 2017 to 2019, he also served as president of the national Sea Grant Association.

Hurley began by saying, “I’m darn proud to be able to give this talk and to be a part of an organization that I have so much respect for and that’s surrounded by so many great people.” He continued by describing the federal legislative history of Sea Grant’s founding and then went on to describe the accomplishments of the other Wisconsin Sea Grant directors before him.

He noted Robert Ragotzkie (director from 1968-1991) for thinking thematically about the areas that Wisconsin Sea Grant concentrates on for its research and outreach programs. “Also, Bob talked about Lake Superior’s circulation. He was thinking about Lake Superior in oceanographic terms and how that affected pollution distribution,” Hurley said. Ragotzkie also conducted climate research at this early stage.

Ragotskie gathered the program’s first cadre of extension agents and formed partnerships with other organizations. Hurley credited this start as the basis for the more than 240 partner organizations that Sea Grant works with today. Ragotskie’s strength was putting together teams of partners to study issues such as PCB pollution in the Fox River near Green Bay. He also established the program’s first communications team, which led to the formation of the popular Earthwatch Radio program, which was used by stations across the county.

Anders Andren (director from 1991-2012) took Ragotskie’s thematic area idea and brought it to Sea Grant at the national level through his work with the Sea Grant Association, which is made up of directors from all of the Sea Grant programs across the country. Hurley said Andren did that to, “get people in New Jersey Sea Grant that were doing the same thing as Florida Sea Grant or Oregon Sea Grant together to talk about similar types of issues, and then try to aggregate the results.”

Under Andren’s technological leadership, Wisconsin Sea Grant developed a website and an online submission system for research proposal submissions and reviews. Also during his tenure, the university’s Water Resources Institute’s management combined with Sea Grant under one umbrella organization known as the Aquatic Sciences Center.

“Another thing that occurred during Anders’ term is that the Great Lakes came together better, I think, than any other network in the county,” Hurley said. This has led to cooperative regional research and outreach projects. “It gives you such a great network, such a community of practice that can interact.”

The program also began concentrating on coastal community issues, providing funding for shipwreck research and working on harbor and recreation projects.

Hurley has continued the thematic area tradition. He’s also been emphasizing actionable science, which he classifies as research projects “that people can use.” He is also encouraging integration of science communications and social science into research. “The most successful projects are those developed with stakeholders at the table,” Hurley said. “We’re starting to see more of those.”

Since 2016, Wisconsin Sea Grant has also enlarged the number of postgraduate fellowships offered, with the help of Associate Director Jennifer Hauxwell and half a dozen partner organizations. Hurley rounded out the subject of accomplishments under his watch by discussing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) research. He said the impetus began in Superior, Wisconsin, with the Huskey Refinery fire, which was doused with firefighting foam that contains PFAS. Staff at the National Lake Superior Estuarine Research Reserve requested help from Sea Grant to analyze water samples from a local creek.

“There was only one lab in the state that was certified to analyze the water for PFAS. We knew that had to change. We had some extra funding available. We were able to aid the State Laboratory of Hygiene, which is the state’s environmental research lab and its public health lab to build capacity to analyze for PFAS in water,” Hurley said. Now, the State Laboratory of Hygiene has opened a Center for PAFS Research. Sea Grant has also hired an emerging contaminants specialist (Gavin Dehnert) who focuses on PFAS and was active in proposing PFAS drinking water standards for the state.

Wisconsin Sea Grant continues to have a strong communications program that has moved from the era of radio into podcasting, video and blogging. “Communications has also changed with the times and I really feel it’s ahead of the curve,” Hurley said.

Other issues of focus include climate change, Great Lakes water level changes and encouraging diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice in programs. Sea Grant has hired a consultant and is in the process of becoming more inclusive as an organization. One of the first areas to benefit has been Sea Grant’s fellows program and undergraduate internships.

The program ended with testimonials from several partners. These included Jenny Van Sickle, president of the Superior City Council; Deanna Erickson, director of the National Lake Superior Estuarine Research Reserve; Joel Hoffman, acting chief, ecosystems branch for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Gene Clark, retired Sea Grant coastal engineer; and Alex Frei, research and fellowship coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant. Here’s a sampling of their kind words.

Jenny Van Sickle, City of Superior City Council:

For someone like me, who grew up in a lot of turmoil and violence, being near the water was free and it was fun. I’m thankful to the educators who took us out of the classroom on onto the beach. There are a lot of people who make sure our water is clean, free and accessible. I just want you to know that it really matters. I want to thank Sea Grant and wish you a happy birthday. We’ve been close partners for a long time.

Deanna Erickson, National Lake Superior Estuarine Research Reserve:

Something that’s really been remarkable to me from the very beginning of the Reserve’s formation . . . is how we were different yet complementary. That’s what makes a good relationship. The Reserve focuses on the St. Louis River Estuary and along Lake Superior, but Sea Grant gets to have this awesome statewide perspective. So, the Sea Grant folks that share our office space and share our community, bring that to us and help make us part of that, too. They also bring expertise that the National Estuarine Research Reserves don’t really have.

Joel Hoffman, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

Again and again, Sea Grant has set the gold standard on how to protect our coastal natural resources and our coastal communities. I’m really excited to see what you’re going to do in the next 50 years.

Watch the video of this talk on the Reserve’s YouTube site.

River Talks is taking a hiatus during the summer but will return in the fall for another season of talks focused on the St. Louis River and the organizations that help us understand it.

The post Let there be cake! Sea Grant celebrates 50 years at River Talks first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/let-there-be-cake-sea-grant-celebrates-50-years-at-river-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=let-there-be-cake-sea-grant-celebrates-50-years-at-river-talks

Marie Zhuikov

Summer of research kicks off

On: June 2, 2022

In: Grace Wilkinson, Jim Hurley, Lily Wagner, summer research opportunities, Water@UW-Madison

A recent sunny morning on the Memorial Union Terrace of the University of Wisconsin-Madison seemed a literal representation of the sunny outlook of the nine undergraduate students assembled to kick off their 10-week summer freshwater research experiences.

Students were nationally recruited and hail from Michigan Technological University, University of the Sciences, James Madison University, North Carolina State University, Skidmore College and Beloit College. Three students didn’t have to travel far. They are currently enrolled at UW-Madison. Six of the students self-identify as underrepresented.

Group of people sitting outdoors in colorful chairs

Undergraduate summer research students, mentors and Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley gather for a kick off meeting of the 10 week experience. Photo: Bonnie Willison

The cohort is the inaugural group of a new program to offer student research opportunities to enhance workforce development skills and expose undergraduates to graduate studies across the University of Wisconsin System and under the auspices of Water@UW-Madison, which connects water scholars across the state’s flagship campus.

“I’m thinking about going to graduate school and this internship will prepare me for freshwater research in both the lab and the field,” said Lily Wagner who smiled through a conversation despite being jetlagged following her return just hours earlier from a semester abroad in Copenhagen studying environmental sciences of the Arctic.

She will join the lab of Christy Remucal of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to understand the degradation rate of the aquatic pesticide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol, which is used to control populations of invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes watershed.

Faculty mentors also have high hopes for the pilot research program. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our Water@UW-Madison community to come together in a different way; to share research with a new generation of water scientists,” said Grace Wilkinson, Center for Limnology.

Wilkinson reported being undaunted by the lack of a track record on the program and is looking forward to shepherding a student through a project that will look at how nutrient-rich waters in Dane County are transforming, storing or moving organic material and how the cycle is affected by climate change and anthropogenic pressures.

Her student, Victoria Wright, has experience in science communication. Wilkinson said she’ll tap into Wright’s expertise in creating communications products that will be used as part of a community science monitoring program based at two urban ponds in Middleton.

In remarks to the group, Wisconsin Sea Grant and University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) Director Jim Hurley called out features of the Memorial Union’s surroundings that are emblematic of UW-Madison’s leadership in water—nearby buildings, including the Center for Limnology and the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory; Lake Mendota, known as the world’s most-studied lake; and a plaque commemorating former UW-Madison President Edward A. Birge, often cited as the founder of the study of limnology.

A plaque on the UW-Madison campus details a history of water research.

Hurley said through the years countless research ideas have been sparked sitting alongside Lake Mendota, over beverages and in the company of enthusiastic scientific peers, and he was confident the 2022 Water@UW-Madison summer research students would be similarly inspired.

Sea Grant and its sister organization WRI are funding the program, as well as the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. The Freshwater Collaborative is part of a statewide initiative with support from the Wisconsin Legislature and Gov. Evers that is tackling 10 grand water challenges, as well as curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students with an interest in water-related offerings on UW System campuses. The collaborative is also a partnership of universities, connecting with industry, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The post Summer of research kicks off first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/summer-of-research-kicks-off/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-of-research-kicks-off

Lake Talks series to explore Sea Grant’s past and future

On: April 1, 2022

In: 50th anniversary, Anders Andren, Bob Ragotzkie, James Hurley, Jim Hurley, Robert Ragotzkie

The next installment in Wisconsin Sea Grant’s “Lake Talks” series will focus on the organization itself, as it celebrates its 50^th anniversary year.

Dr. Jim Hurley, Wisconsin Sea Grant director

Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley will present “Sea Grant at 50: Looking back, moving forward,” examining the formation of this science-based organization devoted to the sustainable use and protection of our Great Lakes resources. He’ll also discuss its current work and where it is headed as it looks ahead to the next 50 years.

The online event takes place Thursday, April 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is required and open now. The hour will include time for audience questions.

Bob Ragotzkie stands in front of the doorway to the UW Sea Grant Institute in a vintage photo likely from the early 1970s

Wisconsin Sea Grant owes much to its founding director, Dr. Bob Ragotzkie.

Said Hurley, “I’m fortunate to be able to build on the foundation laid by my predecessors, founding director Bob Ragotzkie and Anders Andren. As the Sea Grant program was being created on the national level in the 1960s, Ragotzkie really stood up for the Great Lakes to ensure that these inland seas were a part of the program, and not just our ocean coasts. We are still reaping the benefits of his vision. We’re also actively considering how we can best serve the people of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes in our present moment and moving forward.”

Wisconsin Sea Grant works in many areas, from commercial fisheries and aquaculture, to aquatic invasive species, to dealing with emerging contaminants in our water. It is a program of the University of Wisconsin System, with headquarters on the Madison campus and additional staff at field offices around the state, such as Superior, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Milwaukee and Kenosha County.

The organization also funds a robust portfolio of Great Lakes- and water-related research conducted at campuses around the state.

For Lake Talks event and registration information, visit the Sea Grant website, or follow Wisconsin Sea Grant on Facebook or Twitter. You can register for the April 14 presentation now.

For questions about this series, contact Wisconsin Sea Grant science communicator Jennifer Smith.

The post Lake Talks series to explore Sea Grant’s past and future first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/lake-talks-series-to-explore-sea-grants-past-and-future/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lake-talks-series-to-explore-sea-grants-past-and-future

Jennifer Smith

New undergraduate research program focused on water launched

On: March 22, 2022

In: Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Jim Hurley, minority-serving institutions, undergraduate research experience, underserved

The University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) and its sister organization the Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program Tuesday received a $358,000 two-year grant from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to set up summer undergraduate research experiences for students on University of Wisconsin System campuses. The experiences will focus on freshwater science.

WRI Director Jim Hurley said the program will, “provide immersive student research experiences to enhance workforce development skills and allow undergraduates to consider the option of graduate studies in Wisconsin.”

man with beard and glasses — James Hurley, director of the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

He said a related goal is to create a diverse academic environment by recruiting traditionally underrepresented students to graduate programs and ultimately into academia, or into employment. That is also the goal of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), with which WRI and Sea Grant will be coordinating the recruitment and mentoring process.

In year one, four students using Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin funding will be selected through SROP’s central application hub for both UW System faculty and staff researchers seeking to pair with aspiring research undergraduates, and the student applicants. An additional four students will be supported through combined funding from WRI, Sea Grant and UW-Madison’s Graduate School and also using the SROP hub.

Along with UW-Madison, three other UW System campuses, Eau Claire, La Crosse and Platteville, will participate in the program in year one.

In 2023, the program will be expanded to 20 students. At that time, all four-year UW System campuses will be offered the opportunity to propose opportunities for hosting the students.

In both years, these experiences will include larger partnership programming that supports, among others, students from minority-serving institutions.

The freshwater collaborative funding coming to WRI and Sea Grant is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers, to tackle 10 grand water challenges and support curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in studying water-related fields at the UW System schools. The collaborative is a partnership of the universities, connecting with industry, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The post New undergraduate research program focused on water launched first appeared on WRI.

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/new-undergraduate-research-program-focused-on-water-launched/

Water science is the focus of a new undergraduate research program

On: March 22, 2022

In: Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Jim Hurley, minority-serving institution, undergraduate research experience, underserved

The Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program and its sister organization the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) Tuesday received a $358,000 two-year grant from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to set up summer undergraduate research experiences for students on University of Wisconsin System campuses. The experiences will focus on freshwater science.

Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley said the program will, “provide immersive student research experiences to enhance workforce development skills and allow undergraduates to consider the option of graduate studies in Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin Sea Grant Director James Hurley. Image credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant

Along with UW-Madison, three other UW System campuses, Eau Claire, La Crosse and Platteville, will participate in the program in year one.

In 2023, the program will be expanded to 20 students. At that time, all four-year UW System campuses will be solicited to propose opportunities for hosting the students.

In both years, these experiences will include larger partnership programming that supports, among others, students from minority-serving institutions.

The freshwater collaborative funding coming to Sea Grant and WRI is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers, to tackle 10 grand water challenges and support curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in studying water-related fields at the UW System schools. The collaborative is a partnership of the universities, connecting with industry, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The post Water science is the focus of a new undergraduate research program first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/water-science-is-the-focus-of-a-new-undergraduate-research-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=water-science-is-the-focus-of-a-new-undergraduate-research-program

Great Lakes Stewardship Continues With New Projects Worth $2.8 Million Over Two Years

On: February 1, 2022

In: gifts of the glaciers, harmful algal blooms, Hurley, Jim Hurley, microplastics, PFAS, Research

The Great Lakes contain 95% of all the fresh surface water in the United States, and Wisconsin is fortunate that two of those lakes make up its northern and eastern borders—1,000 miles in all and supporting 105 Great Lakes communities.

Stewardship of the lakes is critical not just for those 105 communities, but for the entire state, which benefits from lakes Michigan and Superior culturally, recreationally and economically. Tuesday, Wisconsin Sea Grant announced 12 new two-year research projects worth $2.8 million that build Great Lakes understanding, leading to science-based management and policy decisions.

“We often say the Great Lakes are a gift from the glaciers,” said Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley. “This gift is a valuable one—a recent study found 1.3 million jobs are tied to the lakes, with $82 billion in annual wages. Just as the lakes fuel our economy, they also enrich our quality of life. That’s why we are pleased that these projects officially kick off today with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”

Research will be conducted on four University of Wisconsin System campuses and will, for example, deepen our understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, harmful algal blooms and marine debris, three timely water-quality concerns.

In all, nearly 75 researchers, staff and students will be engaged in this work on the University of Wisconsin System campuses of Madison, Milwaukee, Platteville and Stevens Point. Additionally, the maritime archaeology program at the Wisconsin Historical Society will be supported for Lake Michigan shipwreck exploration.

Water samples laden with PFAS in the Christy Remucal lab at UW-Madison. Photo: Bonnie Willison

“This year, Wisconsin Sea Grant is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. We have a long history of supporting not just research, but the up-and-coming researchers across the state who want to meet Great Lakes challenges and opportunities. More than half of the projects announced Tuesday will be led by investigators who are first-time Sea Grant funding recipients,” Hurley said.

The post Great Lakes Stewardship Continues With New Projects Worth $2.8 Million Over Two Years first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/great-lakes-stewardship-continues-with-new-projects-worth-2-8-million-over-two-years/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=great-lakes-stewardship-continues-with-new-projects-worth-2-8-million-over-two-years

Study in Nature shows reduction of mercury pollution in waterways reaps relatively quick benefit

On: December 15, 2021

In: fish consumption, Jim Hurley, mercury, methylmercury, nature

Reducing mercury pollution to lakes can lower methylmercury contamination in fish within just a few years according to research reported today in the online version of the journal Nature. The findings suggest efforts to control mercury emissions can reduce the risk of human exposure through fish consumption.

Mercury released because of human activity can find its way into aquatic ecosystems, where it is converted into methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in fish and poses a health threat to humans. There is limited understanding of the effectiveness of controls on mercury emissions in removing methylmercury from the food chain.

Researchers in the Experimental Lakes Area of Canada adding mercury isotopes to study lake. Contributed photo.

A 15-year study on the effects of mercury control efforts on the recovery of fish contamination was conducted on a remote, undisturbed Canadian lake and its watershed. Wisconsin Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley was part of the research team that also included scientists from binational regulatory agencies and other academic institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

“This study shows the value of long-term multi-disciplinary, consistent research. We were able to observe the impacts of both an increase and decrease in contaminant loading over several years. Both showed rapid responses in the chemistry and biology of the lake and its watershed,” Hurley said.

Close-up of two men pouring liquid from one jug to another jug.

Jim Hurley (left) and Todd Kuiken, Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans, homogenize the mercury isotope solution to ensure the carboys on each boat have the same concentration. Photo: Chris Babiarz

This whole-ecosystem experiment for seven years supplied specific isotopes of mercury to the ecosystem. During this period, the researchers recorded an increase in the uptake of this isotopically labelled mercury as methylmercury in the fish. Methylmercury concentrations increased by 45–57% in invertebrates (plankton, for example) and small fish (such as yellow perch), and by more than 40% in large fish, such as pike and whitefish.

Then, mercury additions ceased and the effects on the food chain were observed for eight years. Labelled methylmercury quickly diminished in the smaller fish, with concentrations dropping by at least 85% by the end of the study period. This triggered a subsequent reduction of labelled methylmercury in the larger fish, with concentrations declining by 76% in pike and 38% in whitefish.

The rapid reductions in methylmercury contamination observed in these experiments demonstrates the potential for mercury emission controls to improve the safety of fish for human consumption, the authors concluded.

The post Study in Nature shows reduction of mercury pollution in waterways reaps relatively quick benefit first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/study-in-nature-shows-reduction-of-mercury-pollution-in-waterways-reaps-relatively-quick-benefit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=study-in-nature-shows-reduction-of-mercury-pollution-in-waterways-reaps-relatively-quick-benefit

A special message from the Sea Grant Director

On: June 11, 2021

In: Jim Hurley, President Biden's FY22 budget, Sea Grant appropriation

The National Sea Grant College Program is a federal-state-university partnership with 34 programs across the nation, including the program here in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Sea Grant Director James Hurley. Image credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant

Because federal dollars contribute to our ability to meet the needs of Wisconsin’s coastal communities, and in service to the Great Lakes ecosystem as a whole, we pay attention to funding levels proposed by the administration. Recently, the president released his Fiscal Year 2022 budget and it included a request to support the national Sea Grant program at the level of $116 million with an additional $13.1 million for Sea Grant Aquaculture, for a total request of $128.8 million.

Wisconsin Sea Grant can demonstrate over and over the merit of its efforts and how it would put those dollars to good use. There are numbers: From 2018 to 2020, Sea Grant received $4.1 million in core federal dollars that were matched by $2 million in state investment. That leveraged investments of $4.5 million in additional state, federal and outside funding.

Currently, those funds are supporting 15 Sea Grant research projects, three education projects and 32 outreach efforts happening from a base on seven Wisconsin campuses. Initiatives include addressing record-high Great Lakes water levels, the “forever” chemicals PFAS, and the transfer of skills and knowledge to the state’s growing $21 million-aquaculture industry.

It’s good news that the president recognizes the value of work such as this, and at similar Sea Grant programs throughout the U.S. The administration’s budget is considered a starting point and Congressional committees will now shape the final spending plan that, by law, needs approval in time for the new federal fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1.

We are deeply grateful for the confidence President Biden has shown in Sea Grant’s promise and delivery, particularly in the areas of resiliency and addressing the needs of underserved communities.

We are deeply grateful for confidence that members of Congress have shown in the past in our ability to make a difference in coastal communities and on behalf of the Great Lakes themselves.

Finally, and just as importantly, we are deeply grateful to our stakeholders, partners, collaborators and friends who offer an outpouring of support for our work. You know full well that Sea Grant funds lakes Michigan and Superior research, and the application of the research to ensure the sustainable use of these crown jewels that underpin the quality of life and economy of our state.

If you would like to make a comment to members of Congress regarding the value of Sea Grant and the budget being proposed for what is known as FY22, you can find your House of Representatives member at house.gov/representatives/find. Find your senators at senate.gov.

And to learn more about our current projects and impacts, check out this fact sheet.

Thank you,

Jim Hurley
Director, Wisconsin Sea Grant

The post A special message from the Sea Grant Director first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/a-special-message-from-the-sea-grant-director/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-special-message-from-the-sea-grant-director

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Love the lakes? A first-ever Wisconsin Sea Grant Great Lakes Champion Award is in the works

On: October 22, 2020

In: Great Lakes Champion Award, Hurley, Jim Hurley, Wisconsin Sea Grant 2021 Great Lakes Champion Award

To raise awareness about the importance of the Great Lakes to Wisconsin’s culture and economy, Wisconsin Sea Grant announced today it will confer the first-ever Great Lakes Champion Award in early 2021. A call for nominations is now open at seagrant.wisc.edu/championaward.org.

“I could not be more enamored of the Great Lakes,” Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley said. “I know there are others who share my passion and we hope to see them put forth for this award.”

“I am an East-Coast transplant, first arriving in Wisconsin more than 35 years ago,” said Sea Grant Director Jim Hurley. “I could not be more enamored of the Great Lakes bordering my adopted state. They are the focus of my research on mercury cycling and the object of my appreciation for the beauty, recreation and resources they offer. I know there are potential winners of this award in Wisconsin, and in the wider Great Lakes Basin, who share my passion. We hope to see their names added for consideration for the Wisconsin Sea Grant Great Lakes Champion Award.”

Those eligible for the award are any group, program, organization, or individual that displays:

A demonstrated commitment to the Great Lakes through some or all of these factors: dedicated actions, facilitated education or enacted policies that have resulted in the conservation and sustainable use of lakes Michigan and Superior, and the rest of the basin, if applicable.
Long-term consistent care and concern for the Great Lakes in keeping with the Wisconsin Sea Grant mission—promoting the sustainable use of the Great Lakes through research, education and outreach. As well as in support of the program’s vision statement—thriving coastal communities.
Leadership in some or all of the following areas: cultivating freshwater partnerships; fostering collaborative action on behalf of Great Lakes issues; enhancing environmental justice, diversity and inclusion in the basin, or service built upon trust and transparency.
A contribution to accomplishments in some or all of Sea Grant’s focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and/or environmental literacy and workforce development.

The award will be given every two years. This first one will be presented during a virtual ceremony the evening of Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Anyone can nominate worthy recipients, and self-nominations are also invited. Nominations are due at midnight, Friday, Jan. 16, 2021.

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/love-the-lakes-a-first-ever-wisconsin-sea-grant-great-lakes-champion-award-is-in-the-works/

University-based research projects to examine Wisconsin’s “buried treasure:” Groundwater

On: July 8, 2020

In: Eric Stewart, James Price, Jim Hurley, Kevin Masarik, Matt Ginder-Vogel, Sarah Vitale

Four new projects focused on Wisconsin groundwater are underway on university campuses, as of July 1, as well as a continuing one. The work is funded by the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI).

“We look forward to the findings from this latest group of projects that address emerging issues,” said Jim Hurley, WRI director. “Each project advances our understanding of Wisconsin’s buried treasure, our groundwater.”

The projects will:

-Investigate in-season cover crops for reducing nitrate loss to groundwater below potatoes. Kevin Masarik at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will lead the project. His colleague Jacob Prater on that campus will also participate in the exploration that will inter-seed the crops and assess the positive and/or negative interactions on potato yield, quality and ease of harvest.

Wisconsin is a major national potato producer and a WRI researcher will look at nutrients and groundwater needed for that cultivation. Photo by UW-Madison.

-Formulate a cost-function analysis of Wisconsin water utilities to place a value on groundwater. James Price is this investigator, based at the School of Freshwater Sciences, UW-Milwaukee.

-Conduct further research on the issue of arsenic in southeastern Wisconsin groundwater. Eric Stewart, bedrock geologist at UW-Madison, will correlate bedrock fold and fractures with the detection of this naturally occurring but carcinogenic chemical in drinking water.

-Provide insight into the sources of salinity associated with radium and strontium in the parts of the aquifer underlying eastern and northeastern Wisconsin. The study will provide an understanding of the movement of these contaminants to municipal wells. UW-Madison’s Matt Ginder-Vogel is the principal investigator and he has pulled onto the team Patrick Gorski and Sean Scott, both with the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene.

-As part of a project that kicked off in 2019, Sarah Vitale, and co-investigator J. Brian Mahoney at UW-Eau Claire and Anna Baker with the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, are investigating naturally occurring phosphorus in western Wisconsin surface and ground waters.

The post University-based research projects to examine Wisconsin’s “buried treasure:” Groundwater first appeared on WRI.

News Release – WRI

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/university-based-research-projects-to-examine-wisconsins-buried-treasure-groundwater/

Aquatic Sciences Center plays key role in Water@UW-Madison symposium

On: April 29, 2020

In: David Koser, Jennifer Hauxwell, Jim Hurley, water

April 29, 2020

By Jennifer A. Smith

Now in its fifth year, the annual Water@UW-Madison symposium has become a vital event that gives attendees a chance to hear about a broad swath of cutting-edge water research and outreach. With many short sessions, it’s one of the fastest and most informative ways to learn about the state of Wisconsin’s water and what’s being done to protect this critical resource.

The online event takes place Tuesday, May 5. (Photo illustration: Water@UW-Madison)

This year, like most other conferences in the era of COVID-19, Water@UW-Madison is going virtual. The online event will take place Tuesday, May 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Working Together to Address Water Challenges: UW-Madison and State Government.”

Attendees can participate via Zoom or, if they prefer, by watching the Water@UW-Madison YouTube channel. One need not be affiliated with the university to participate. Currently, over 250 people have registered for the Zoom sessions.

Said David Koser, a project assistant at the UW-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center (home to Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Water Resources Institute), “The symposium is going to be informative and a lot of fun. UW-Madison’s partnerships and collaborations with state government are key to the health and well-being of the people of Wisconsin. Our speakers will have great material to share, and we hope that this event will show the strength of our existing relationships as well as help build new ones.” Koser helps coordinate this signature event.

Numerous Aquatic Sciences Center staff are involved in this year’s event. Director Jim Hurley and Associate Director Jen Hauxwell will both present sessions, and Hauxwell is chair-elect for the Water@UW-Madison group. During intermissions, virtual attendees will see water-related artwork chosen by Anne Moser, senior special librarian for the Wisconsin Water Library.

UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank will welcome attendees, and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes has provided a video introduction. There will be an in-depth presentation by Rep. Todd Novak and Rep. Katrina Shankland of the Wisconsin State Assembly. These two legislators lead the Speaker’s Water Quality Task Force.

For complete information, including an agenda, visit https://water.wisc.edu/2020springsymposium/.