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In: Algae Blooms, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Offshore Decline: Great Lakes fish populations at risk from low nutrient levels

As algal blooms flourish on the edges of the Great Lakes, lake management bodies look to cut down the flow of nutrients into the water that feeds the algae. But, as a recent report by the International Joint Commission explains, not all parts of the lakes suffer from too many nutrients — in fact, the deeper offshore waters aren’t getting enough.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/offshore-great-lakes-fish-populations-nutrient-levels/

Emily Simroth

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In: AP, birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, technology
Bald eagle shows air superiority, sends drone into lake

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A bald eagle launched an aerial assault on a drone operated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — known as EGLE — ripping off a propeller and sending the aircraft into Lake Michigan.

The attack happened July 21, when the drone was mapping shoreline erosion near Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to document and help communities cope with high water levels, the department said in a statement.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-bald-eagle-drone-lake-michigan/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan officials investigate fish kill on Escanaba River

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Michigan officials are investigating a fish kill that affected a dozen species on the middle branch of the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula.

The die-off was reported Aug. 9 on the 52-mile-long river, which is popular with anglers, officials said Wednesday.

It happened near Gladstone, downstream of Verso Corp.’s Escanaba Paper Mill, which the previous week had reported the rupture of a pipe at its wastewater treatment plant.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-fish-kill-escanaba-river/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, News
Number of fish types in Chicago waters up to nearly 60 from about 10

CHICAGO (AP) — The variety of fish swimming in Chicago’s rivers have increased in recent decades, which authorities attribute to a decline in pollution, according to a sampling study released Monday by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

The report claims there are nearly 60 different types of fish swimming in the Chicago and Calumet rivers.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-fish-types-chicago-waters-increases/

The Associated Press

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In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, zebra mussels
Quiz: What Great Lakes invasive species are you?

Great Lakes Now is hosting a live chat about invasive species with the Belle Isle Conservancy on Friday, Aug. 7. Check out the event page here for more details.

Since the 1800s, at least 25 non-native fish species – like the sea lamprey, zebra mussel or round goby – have entered the Great Lakes, changing the Great Lakes ecosystem in a variety of ways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/invasive-species-quiz-great-lakes/

Natasha Blakely

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In: birds, Cleveland, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Cleveland, Fish, Birds and Animals, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Waterfront Development
Ohio lawmakers want ‘puzzling’ offshore wind ruling revisited

By John Funk, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

A bipartisan coalition of 32 state lawmakers from Northeast Ohio has interceded on behalf of the Lake Erie Energy Development Company’s 20.7-megawatt demonstration offshore wind project, now before state regulators.

In a strongly worded letter to Sam Randazzo, chair of the Ohio Power Siting Board, the lawmakers objected to the board’s ruling in May granting a permit —  if LEEDCo agreed to shut down the wind farm’s six turbines from dusk to dawn eight months out of the year, Mar.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ohio-lawmakers-offshore-wind-ruling-revisited/

Energy News Network

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In: Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Wisconsin
Multi-million dollar grant funds study of Great Lakes aquaculture

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Carin Tunney, Great Lakes Now

A million-dollar grant to study aquaculture aims to boost the number of fish farms in the Great Lakes region.

Aquaculture refers to raising fish both to eat and to stock streams and lakes.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/grant-great-lakes-aquaculture/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Fish, Birds and Animals, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Ontario, PFAS, rouge river, St. Clair River, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Roller Coaster: Michigan’s long history with environmental contamination

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are on a roller coaster ascending the first and highest hill on the ride. You hear the click, click, click as the car slowly climbs to the top and you start getting excited, even nervous, the closer you get to the peak.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/michigan-history-environmental-contamination/

John Hartig

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In: animals, aquariums, birds, Chicago, COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, Natasha Blakely, News, Ontario, Tourism
Animal Quiz: What Great Lakes aquarium animal are you in quarantine?

The animals at various aquariums are dealing with their own COVID-19 lockdown struggles as they adjust to new routines, new procedures and a distinct lack of the public, and each animal handles it a little differently.

Thanks to Great Lakes aquariums like Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, and Belle Isle Conservancy in Detroit, the public can get a peek at the various things staff are doing to keep the animals happy and entertained.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/animal-quiz-great-lakes-aquarium-animal-covid-19-quarantine/

Natasha Blakely

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In: animals, Chicago, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, News, penguins, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shedd aquarium, Tourism
Day in the Life: How are Shedd Aquarium’s animals coping in the absence of visitors?

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is one of the more popular, well-known aquariums around the country with 2 million visitors every year.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has closed it to the public, which is a big change for the penguins, whales, fish and other creatures that live in the Shedd’s various habitats.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-shedd-aquarium-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
COVID-19 Connection: Pandemic provides an opportunity for fish and insects to bond

There are cockroaches roaming the aquarium at the Belle Isle Conservancy.

But don’t worry, they’re supposed to be there.

Unlike the smaller, more common roaches you might find in a dirty or old building, these cockroaches are Madagascar hissing cockroaches, who have their own exhibit at the conservancy and were given a chance to say hello to some fish while the aquarium is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-belle-isle-fish-and-insects-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: animals, COVID-19, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Huge Interest: Aquatarium finds its feet during COVID-19 with virtual engagement

Masks or no, the otters at the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, know exactly who’s in their den space.

“They really recognize us more by our smell and our boots,” said Jennipher Carter, senior aquarist at the Aquatarium. For the otters at least, adjusting to their caretakers all wearing masks didn’t take long.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ontario-aquatarium-covid-19-virtual-engagement/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, associated press, crayfish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Michigan, News
Marbled crayfish added to Michigan’s prohibited species list

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A crayfish that reproduces by cloning has been added to Michigan’s prohibited species list.

All known specimens of marbled crayfish are genetically identical females that can produce up to 700 eggs per reproductive cycle without the need for fertilization, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-marbled-crayfish-michigans-prohibited-species/

The Associated Press

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In: Fish, Birds and Animals, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, watersheds
Great Lakes Learning: Freshwater science for the youngest learners – Part 1

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-learning-younger-learners/

Gary Abud Jr.

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In: Detroit, detroit river, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, otters, Toronto
Great Lakes Moment: River otters return to western Lake Erie

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Most people know river otters from zoos or YouTube videos as endearing playful creatures that can put a smile on anyone’s face.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/river-otters-western-lake-erie/

John Hartig

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In: clean energy, Cleveland, Climate change, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Cleveland, Fish, Birds and Animals, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Tourism, Waterfront Development, wind farm
Lake Erie Wind Farm Divides Environmental Activists

The contested case of the Icebreaker Wind Farm has implications for renewable energy in the region.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-lake-erie-wind-farm/

Belt Magazine

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In: AP, Commercial Fishing, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, lake erie, News, Ohio
Ohio fishery charged with abusing, wasting game fish

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio fishery has been charged with wildlife violations after investigators observed abuse and waste of game fish, officials said.

Investigators from the state Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife recorded employees from Szuch Fishery Inc. intentionally injure a rare trophy-size fish after it was removed from a commercial fishing net in western Lake Erie on March 31, the Dayton Daily News reported Sunday.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/ap-ohio-fishery-charged-abusing-wasting-game-fish/

The Associated Press

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, plants, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Wisconsin
Controlling Invasives: States urge residents to help stop spread of invasive species

Spring in the Great Lakes region brings blooming tulips, pollinating bees, biting sunfish and the threat of spreading invasive species.

As residents head outdoors to freshen backyard ponds and launch fishing boats, state and provincial resource managers are urging everyone to keep a few simple guidelines in mind to keep the Great Lakes safe.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/states-stop-spread-aquatic-invasive-species/

Kathy Johnson

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In: economy, environment, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Great Lakes, James Proffitt, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ohio, Protect, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, The States, Tourism, Wisconsin
COVID-19 Changes: Great Lakes parks and tourist spots are closing, remaining open and waiting for summer

The agencies and businesses running the services, centers and parks are adapting daily, hourly.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/great-lakes-parks-centers-tourism-coronavirus-covid-19/

James Proffitt

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In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, Chicago, environment, Events and Special Broadcasts, Feature-Chicago, Fish, Birds and Animals, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Piping Plovers: Film fest spotlights endangered bird’s return to Chicago’s Lake Michigan shore

The One Earth Film Festival kicks off its 9th season in Chicago starting Friday.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/one-earth-film-festival-great-lakes-piping-plovers-plastic-cafos/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, Chicago, environment, Fish, Birds and Animals, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, News, Science, Technology, Research, water
Environmental groups sue to speed up lake sturgeon status

CHICAGO (AP) — Environmental groups in Illinois and Indiana have filed a federal complaint in hopes of forcing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete a review that could designate lake sturgeon as a federally endangered species.

Lake sturgeon are a prehistoric fish that were once plentiful in the Great Lakes but have been reduced to extremely low levels by pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-environmental-groups-sue-lake-sturgeon-status/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, environment, Fish, Birds and Animals, Great Lakes, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes Moment: Decline of bird species should serve as a warning

In this month’s column from Great Lakes Now writer John Hartig, he looks at how climate change is impacting birds around the Great Lakes.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/black-terns-michigan-bird-climate-change/

John Hartig