A joint Wisconsin/Minnesota Sea Grant-funded research project on the St. Louis River Estuary has found a surprising result. The two-year study, which involved several researchers, looked into nutrient levels and water chemistry in the estuary. When it comes to nitrogen removal in the water, the estuary seems to be working backwards.

Michelle Howe, a science teacher at Lodi Middle School, will participate in a unique opportunity to study Lake Michigan. During July, Howe will join 14 other teachers on the Lake Guardian, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s research vessel for the week-long Shipboard and Shoreline Science Workshop.

The next monthly River Talk is scheduled for Wed., June 10, 5:30 p.m. at Amazing Grace Cafe (394 S. Lake Ave., Duluth, Minn.) Julie Gard, assistant professor of writing at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and photographer Ava Battocchio will present, “Pollution, Poetry and Photography: Celebrating the River’s Restoration Through Words and Images.”

Sea Grant climate change educators in the Great Lakes states have taken a tool developed in Mississippi-Alabama and adapted it for communities along the shores of our freshwater seas to use in preparing for the impacts of weather disruption.

In this new 13-minute safety video, boaters can learn how to identify marked fishing nets, and what to do if they become entangled.

For what is believed to be the first time ever, Great Lakes fish will make an appearance at a national “fish fry” in Washington, D.C., thanks to Wisconsin Sea Grant

Wisconsin Sea Grant researcher aims to create economic and behavioral models that quantify the value of sports fishing in the Great Lakes–and help predict anglers’ future behavior.

To encourage water safety, partners in Wisconsin and throughout the Great Lakes are hitting the beaches at the end of May with new emergency rescue equipment like ring buoys and life jackets as part of the campaign: Be Current Smart. In addition to the equipment, the campaign includes water safety tips tailored to Wisconsin and other states in the region.

The next monthly River Talk is scheduled for Wed., May 20, 7 p.m. at Amazing Grace Cafe (394 S. Lake Ave., Duluth, Minn.) Robert Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory will present, “Researching the Invisible Ways Estuaries Benefit Us.”

Wisconsin Sea Grant secured a new Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant to strengthen ties among Wisconsin fish producers, fish sellers and consumers.