Wisconsin Sea Grant researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh are working on ways to speed up the processing time and accuracy of beach water-quality samples to help public safety and avoid unnecessary beach closures. Better testing can even help local economies that rely on beach tourists. The researchers have also found that water-quality testers don’t need a Ph.D. in microbiology to perform accurate analyses.

A concise and snappy video featuring highlights of the National Sea Grant College’s 50th anniversary recently won an international communications award.

Engineering researchers are trying to remove some of the obstacles that prevent more widespread use of green infrastructure and evaluate which green infrastructure strategies are most effective in which areas.

The River Talk series continues in Duluth this month. On Wed. Jan. 11, 7 p.m. at Iron Mug Coffee & Ale House (1096 88th Ave. W., Duluth, Minn.), Linda Codotte with the city of Superior will present, “Sand Dune Restoration in Wisconsin – What’s the Point?”

Water and sediment in the three rivers that converge in Milwaukee, Wis., and the city harbor contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria in greater amounts than in bacteria isolated from the city’s hospitals, a Wisconsin Sea Grant researcher and her colleagues have found. The researchers are concerned these environmental “hotspots” for drug-resistant bacteria could harm human health by increasing the incidence of bacterial resistance in medical centers, and they urge people not to use antimicrobial products in their homes.

This spring, a new course will present college students who are interested in natural resources management with examples of climate change from the Lake Superior region. The two-part course, offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) with funding by Wisconsin Sea Grant, is open to students from other campuses as well.

Deidre Peroff is the newest extension specialist on staff and one of her first major undertakings is to pair up with a National Weather Service professional to explore how to protect the lives and property of those less advantaged in Milwaukee in the face of severe weather.

A team led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has found that small, one-foot, tsunamis caused by thunderstorms (meteotsunamis) happen more than 100 times per year on the Great Lakes. Also, larger meteotsunamis of nearly three feet occur once per year on average. Meteotsunamis are single waves similar to, but smaller than, tsunamis caused by earthquakes or landslides. Instead of being caused by seismic activity, meteotsunamis are formed by strong storms that move over the water.

There is a jackpot of fellowship opportunities available right now, with some open until February.

Thanksgiving 2016 provides the perfect opportunity to consider gratitude for Wisconsin’s extensive water riches.