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U.S. federal cuts erode Great Lakes protections, but resilient governance remains. Now, it's time to evolve.
Despite policy shifts, shoreline hardening dominates Lake Ontario. Structural limits, fragmented governance, and path dependency block nature-based adaptation and resilient land use.
Groundwater, the "sixth Great Lake," faces rising demand from agriculture and technology. Improved data and coordinated policy are vital for long-term sustainability.
The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region must treat freshwater as critical infrastructure. Strategic integration of stewardship, climate resilience, and trade ensures long-term economic competitiveness and ecological health.
A new way of working together for effective science policy connects global biodiversity science with local action, centering Indigenous knowledge to drive transformative change across the Great Lakes basin.
Report reveals progress in reducing toxins and invasive species introductions but warns of persistent challenges like algal blooms and habitat loss.
Road salt is is accumulating in the Great Lakes, threatening aquatic life and groundwater. Regulations and liability reform are needed.
New policies that anticipate future conditions rather than react to past patterns require climate-informed planning and nature-based solutions to ensure long-term water security and equity.
Rapid data center expansion threatens Great Lakes water resources, calling for transparency and multilevel regulation to safeguard this finite freshwater system.
Researchers investigate the growing prevalence of microplastic contamination in large lake systems, revealing hidden threats to freshwater ecosystems.
A paleolimnological study examining sediment cores from Lake Winnipegosis to reconstruct historical water quality and ecosystem changes.
Wave Lumina develops a portable field device to rapidly detect parts-per-trillion PFAS levels in the Great Lakes region.
High-tech sensors and community science combine to track water quality and algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Community data improves freshwater health by making water quality information accessible.
An AI‑powered turning point for Great Lakes science.
24/7 drones uncover new insights into Great Lakes fishes & mysids.
Scientists used cutting-edge underwater robotics to explore Lake Superior's mysterious underwater mountains, revealing new insights into geology, ecosystems, and one of the Great Lakes' least explored landscapes.
Cameron Davis applies the concepts of resilience and adaptation to the scientific community, urging researchers to evolve funding models and embed research in practical solutions to survive political headwinds.
The IJC Science Advisory Board is developing a Great Lakes Science Plan for the Next Generation, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge equity, workforce development, and collaborative governance.
Leading scientists publish a commentary in JGLR warning that reduced federal investment in Great Lakes research will have devastating impacts on public health, safety, and the economy.
IAGLR shares key findings from a survey documenting the personal and professional impacts of U.S. federal actions on the Great Lakes science community, including job losses, funding cuts, and emotional toll.
Despite the cancellation of the NSF-funded SP2ARK Fellowship, the three IAGLR fellows reflect on the program's impact and their commitment to continuing science communication and advocacy.
Early career researcher Abby Hutson describes how federal funding cuts and policy shifts are hindering career progression, collaboration, and the future of Great Lakes research.
Former NOAA GLERL Director Deborah Lee details the devastating impacts of federal staff reductions and funding cuts on the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and its mission.
Despite federal hiring freezes and staff losses, the Sea Lamprey Control Program successfully began its 2025 field season, treating tributaries to suppress invasive populations by 90%.
A review of David Jude's poetry book, which blends ecological processes, whimsical views of biota, and philosophical musings, celebrating a life of melding science and art in the Great Lakes.
El Lower, GLANSIS Communication Specialist, discusses the rhetoric of invasion science, the importance of storytelling in conservation, and their passion for foraging and wild foods.
Sumeep Bath, editorial and cmmunications manager at IISD Experimental Lakes Area, shares his journey from Spanish teacher to science communicator and offers advice on testing messages with diverse audiences.
Research highlights the importance of community-driven storytelling models to fight environmental injustice, moving away from extractive media practices toward equitable, collaborative narratives.
A study on HAB risk communication in Michigan reveals that emotionally framed messages and understanding audience needs are more effective than purely factual ones for increasing risk perception.
Anna Boegehold shares how improv comedy training has helped her overcome public speaking anxiety and improve her science communication skills by embracing failure and storytelling.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission's communication strategy for sea lamprey control is detailed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social license and public trust through effective engagement.
Lynne Heasley and Glenn Wolff explore the power of ecocultural storytelling to connect people emotionally and spiritually with Great Lakes restoration, moving beyond pure science-telling.
Ellie Katz highlights the role of local journalism in bridging the gap between scientists and the public, using storytelling and audio to make science accessible and relatable.
Sandra Svoboda advises scientists on crafting and sharing their origin stories to connect with audiences, build credibility, and make their work relatable to the public and media.
Seven strategies for cross-cultural communication are presented, focusing on humility, reciprocity, and weaving Indigenous and Western knowledges in the Manomin Project.
Elizabeth Striano emphasizes the need to integrate communications planning into research design from the beginning to ensure impactful and useful products for end users.
Veteran journalist Tom Henry shares insights on the importance of storytelling, human impact, and trust in communicating Great Lakes science to the public and policymakers.
Tamara Poles argues that building trust in science communication requires authenticity, vulnerability, and recognizing the audience's expertise, rather than trying to mimic their peers.
David Dempsey urges scientists to overcome communication barriers and actively engage with policy makers and the public to protect Great Lakes science from political headwinds.
Mike Shriberg outlines four essential lessons for communicating Great Lakes science: focus on impacts, tell stories, show passion, and unify messages to navigate political and environmental challenges.
An EPA postdoctoral fellow, Molly Wick studies cultural ecosystem services along Great Lakes.
A Ph.D. candidate at Bowling Green State University, Julia Obuya uses molecular techniques to study harmful algal blooms, translating complex data into actionable strategies for communities in Africa and North America.
A Purdue master's student studying alewife in Lake Michigan, Anna Hill bridges the gap between scientific research and community stakeholders to make fish ecology findings accessible to anglers and the public.
A coalition of partners is reintroducing Arctic grayling to Michigan streams using streamside incubators to ensure imprinting, reconnecting Anishinaabe people with their cultural heritage.
After nearly 70 years of effort, native lake trout populations have been fully restored in Lake Superior, marking a major conservation triumph through sea lamprey control and stocking.
Submerged sinkholes in the Great Lakes harbor unique, biodiverse microbial mats that offer insights into early Earth life and potential pharmaceutical compounds, representing hidden refugia of hope.
A citizen science program engages volunteers to document sucker fish migration, revealing temperature as the primary trigger and demonstrating the power of public engagement in fish conservation.
A Keweenaw Bay Indian Community climate study shows that despite challenges, climate impacts are strengthening cultural knowledge transmission and community bonds, offering a path forward for Indigenous-led research.
An editorial reflecting on the theme of hope in the face of scientific challenges, emphasizing the role of storytelling and collaboration in sustaining the Great Lakes research community.
The IJC Science Advisory Board is developing a decadal science strategy to address aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and emerging threats through a collaborative, basin-wide plan.
A groundbreaking experiment at IISD Experimental Lakes Area shows that trained detection dogs can locate oil spills under ice with 100% accuracy, offering a rapid and cost-effective solution for winter response.
The LEARN program demonstrates how meaningful collaboration between researchers and management professionals in Ohio fosters trust, adaptive monitoring, and hope for freshwater futures.
Research shows that while the public associates science with hope, scientists associate it with joy. Understanding these differing emotional lenses is crucial for effective science communication and engagement.
Long-term monitoring of wetlands in Ontario reveals that while secondary invasions occur after Phragmites control, native plant communities eventually recover, highlighting the importance of sustained monitoring and collaboration.
Research from the Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre explores how soft-release strategies can mitigate transport stress and improve survival rates for reintroduced lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes.
New lead editor Margaret Docker discusses the future of the Journal of Great Lakes Research, emphasizing community, peer review integrity, and the value of society journals amidst changing publishing landscapes.
A tribute to Chris Vandergoot (1976–2024), the director of GLATOS, whose innovative work in acoustic telemetry has transformed fisheries management and left a lasting impact on the Great Lakes community.
Huifang Bi is developing green, biomass-derived coatings to prevent oil adhesion on shorelines and enhance biodegradation, aiming to revolutionize oil spill response in freshwater environments.
Research at the University of Windsor is investigating the potential of natural freshwater microbial communities to degrade hydrocarbons and clean up oil contamination in the Great Lakes.
A historical chronology of major oil spills in the Great Lakes basin, from the 1948 Detroit River incident to the 2010 Kalamazoo River spill, illustrating the evolution of spill science and response.
A perspective on how regulatory frameworks like the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 have shaped oil spill response, highlighting the challenges of workforce retention and the need for advanced training.
A RAND report assessing oil spill risks and response capabilities in the Great Lakes, identifying gaps in preparedness and the need for enhanced communication and training.
The Concordia Oil Spill Research Group is developing green technologies, such as bio-based coatings, to prevent oil adhesion on shorelines and enhance cleanup efficiency in freshwater environments.
An inside look at the U.S. Coast Guard's Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise (GLCOE), which leads research and training to improve oil spill response in freshwater and icy environments.
The International Consortium of Oil Research (ICOR) is building scientific capacity to study the biological impacts, fate, and detection of oil spills in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Research highlights the complex interactions between oil and ice in the Great Lakes, emphasizing the need for improved modeling to predict oil movement and weathering under ice cover.
An overview of collaborative research networks in the Great Lakes, including the GLCOE and ICOR, working to improve oil spill prediction, detection, and response capabilities.
Capacity-building workshops in East Africa are training the next generation of experts to use satellite remote sensing for monitoring water quality and supporting the blue economy in Lake Victoria.
High-resolution satellite imagery reveals significant shoreline retreat and erosion in Lake Michigan following historic water level increases, informing coastal management strategies.
A study validating satellite data for monitoring phytoplankton in Lake Geneva, demonstrating the potential for long-term phenology analysis in deep lakes.
NOAA GLERL uses plane-mounted hyperspectral cameras to monitor and forecast harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes, providing critical data for drinking water safety.
High-frequency radar technology provides real-time data on surface currents in the Straits of Mackinac, enhancing maritime safety and environmental monitoring for the region.
A metaphorical "birch bark canoe" research framework that integrates Indigenous Knowledge and Western science to protect manoomin (wild rice) and build climate resilience in the Great Lakes.
An overview of remote sensing technologies, from satellites to drones, that are transforming the monitoring of harmful algal blooms, ice coverage, and oil spills in the Great Lakes.
A tribute to Brian Eadie (1944–2024), a respected leader in Great Lakes biogeochemistry and sediment resuspension research who mentored generations of scientists at NOAA GLERL.
GPS-tracked drifters reveal how surface currents and wind transport plastic pollution in Nottawasaga Bay, Georgian Bay, highlighting accumulation zones and fragmentation risks.
Seiche events in Lake Ontario can resuspend sediments and release sequestered phosphorus into the water column, impacting nutrient retention in coastal wetlands.
An overview of meteotsunamis, atmospheric-generated waves that pose hazards to Great Lakes beachgoers and mariners, and the challenges in forecasting these events.
A personal reflection on sailing the Great Lakes, capturing the beauty and power of water movement through photography and stories of the Chicago to Mackinac race.
Analysis of recent warm winters in Lake Ontario suggests a shift in mixing and stratification patterns, with profound implications for oxygen levels, nutrient cycling, and fish habitats.
Research in the Dead Sea reveals how tiny water motions and double-diffusive instabilities create massive salt deposits, offering insights into ancient geological events and coastal erosion.
A clear distinction between storm surges (driven by wind and pressure) and seiches (oscillatory responses), explaining their different dynamics and impacts on Great Lakes coastal communities.
A tribute to Ronald A. Hites (1938–2024), a pioneering environmental chemist and former IAGLR president who revolutionized the measurement of trace pollutants in the Great Lakes and was known as the "father of environmental mass spectrometry."
Katie Rousseau coordinates the Smart Great Lakes Initiative, advancing technology applications to improve the understanding, conservation, and management of the Great Lakes.
Christine Atuhaire uses remote sensing and satellite imagery to map and quantify plastic litter in aquatic environments, contributing to environmental policy and mitigation strategies.
A guide to understanding the risks of PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern in the Great Lakes, with a focus on community-specific engagement and effective risk communication strategies.
An examination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Great Lakes as a One Health issue, exploring how environmental factors and human activities contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria and genes.
A community-based approach to fish consumption advisories that prioritizes Indigenous knowledge, youth engagement, and relational connections to the land, moving beyond restrictive "don't eat" guidelines.
The International Joint Commission is advancing a basinwide assessment of microbial water quality using molecular and genomics technologies to track pathogens, HABs, and antimicrobial resistance.
A comparative study of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Victoria and Western Lake Erie reveals potential future threats to Lake Erie, including the detection of cylindrospermopsin-producing Raphidiopsis blooms in a warming climate.
Lisa Sonnenburg manages cultural resources for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, documenting and protecting submerged archaeological landscapes through collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Harris Phiri, a retired fisheries director from Zambia, shares his extensive experience in Lake Tanganyika research and his passion for conservation and interacting with the global aquatic science community.
Heather Dettman serves as a Senior Science Advisor for Natural Resources Canada, leading research on oil spill science and petroleum products to protect water resources.
Research reveals that microplastics can trigger the release of substances from cyanobacteria, altering buoyancy and potentially fueling harmful algal blooms, creating a complex nexus between plastics and algae.
Stormwater runoff studies show that low-income and commercial areas contribute significantly higher amounts of macro-litter and microplastics to the Great Lakes, highlighting the need for targeted waste management.
A synthesis of a decade of microplastics research in the Great Lakes reveals widespread contamination but highlights the need for standardized monitoring methods and risk assessment frameworks.
The Synthetic Collective's collaboration between scientists and artists has raised awareness of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes through exhibitions, data visualization, and the discovery of plastiglomerate.
The Clean Shores, Great Lakes project mobilized thousands of volunteers to clean up plastic litter from Tanzanian shorelines, using citizen science to identify hotspots and advocate for policy change.
The IJC's Great Lakes Science Advisory Board is developing coordinated frameworks for monitoring microplastics and assessing their ecological risks in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin.
Plastic pollution is a full life-cycle issue, from fossil fuel extraction to end-of-life, with significant impacts on the Great Lakes and human health, requiring systemic solutions beyond just recycling.
A review of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water's report "Turning the Tide," which outlines a seven-step call to action to revalue water as a global commons and address the global water crisis.
A tribute to Michael Fraker (1978–2023), a dedicated researcher and mentor in Great Lakes science who passed away in 2023, remembered for his ecological modeling expertise and commitment to student research.
Jordanna Bergman investigates the ecological connectivity of the Rideau Canal Waterway, studying how anthropogenic barriers affect native and invasive fish movements to support conservation strategies.
Ontario's Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) dismantles environmental protections and the Greenbelt, threatening watersheds and water quality in the Great Lakes basin despite public opposition.
The Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA decision removes federal protection from many wetlands, posing a significant threat to Great Lakes water quality, though some states like Michigan and Wisconsin have stronger laws.
A congressional perspective on the robust year-over-year funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, highlighting its critical role in science-based restoration and community revitalization.
Canada announces a historic C$420 million investment in the Great Lakes and a new Canada Water Agency to strengthen freshwater management, restore Areas of Concern, and modernize the Canada Water Act.
Integrating watershed science with the public trust doctrine offers a legal and scientific framework to protect Great Lakes water quality and prevent impairment from upstream activities.
The "Rights of Nature" movement is critiqued from an Indigenous perspective, arguing that the St. Lawrence River (Kaniatarowanénhne) is already a relative with agency, requiring responsibility rather than bestowed rights.
A review of Dan Egan's "The Devil's Element" examines the paradox of phosphorus as both a life-sustaining nutrient and a pollutant driving eutrophication in the Great Lakes.
Ali Reza Shahvaran uses remote sensing and satellite imagery to model and monitor algal blooms in western Lake Ontario, informing nutrient management and decision-making.
Emilie DeRochie coordinates the St. Lawrence River Strategy, fostering inclusive communication and collaboration between Indigenous communities and stakeholders along the river.
Underwater microphones detected low-frequency "thunder" sounds from spawning lake sturgeon in the Detroit River, revealing their spawning timing and sensitivity to ship noise.
A 15-month acoustic recording in Lake Superior revealed seasonal soundscapes dominated by boat traffic in summer and ice cracking in winter, highlighting the need to monitor noise impacts on sensitive species.
A four-year pre-construction study in Lake Erie used passive acoustics and fish telemetry to evaluate the environmental impacts of an offshore wind project, setting a model for future energy development.
Fish in the Great Lakes produce a variety of sounds for communication and reproduction; bioacoustics offers a powerful tool to study their behavior, ecology, and responses to environmental change.
Anthropogenic noise from shipping and boating is an emerging stressor in the Great Lakes, masking fish communication and causing physiological stress, yet remains largely unregulated.
Passive acoustic monitoring offers a non-invasive, continuous method to track freshwater biodiversity and behavior, addressing risks and biases associated with traditional sampling methods.
Kiersten McCutcheon coordinates the Visual Assessment Survey Tool (VAST) for Niagara Coastal, engaging citizen scientists to collect data on changing Great Lakes conditions.
Nick Boucher, a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University, focuses on analyzing acoustic telemetry data and assessing arrays to improve fish tracking in the Great Lakes.
Edina Illyes studies how historical glaciation and human activity shape fish species distributions in northwestern Ontario, blending landscape processes with contemporary ecology.
USGS and partner agencies are using Saildrones and autonomous underwater vehicles to correct biases in sonar surveys, improving the accuracy of prey fish abundance estimates for Great Lakes fisheries.
A survey of fishery professionals reveals that while virtual engagement maintains existing relationships, in-person interaction remains critical for building trust and new collaborations in the post-pandemic era.
A comparison of lake committees in the Laurentian Great Lakes and advisory groups in the African Great Lakes reveals a promising framework for transboundary collaboration and resource sharing.
The Real-Time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON) demonstrates how sharing equipment, data, and expertise enables researchers to tackle complex environmental challenges in the Great Lakes.
The binational success of ballast water regulations in the Great Lakes, which reduced invasions by 85%, offers a model for achieving global biodiversity targets under the COP15 framework.
The removal of three dams on the Boardman River restored connectivity and cultural significance, showcasing a successful collaboration between Indigenous communities, government, and local stakeholders.
A special section of the Journal of Great Lakes Research highlights the spectrum of actors in ecosystem-based management and the necessity of integrating social and natural sciences.
Large, multidisciplinary teams are essential for tackling "wicked" problems like climate change and biodiversity loss, offering broader perspectives and greater impact despite management challenges.
A review of Giulio Boccaletti's "Water: A Biography" examines the sociopolitical history of water and its profound impact on human civilization and future challenges.
Pubudu Kumarage models pollutant transport in inland and coastal water bodies, using fluid dynamics expertise to identify harmful accumulations and conserve aquatic ecosystems.
Ruth Duncan, a student at Trent University, uses Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and smart technology to study lake whitefish behavior in culturally relevant habitats in Lake Huron.
Two decades of collaborative research on the Black River have restored lake sturgeon populations through hatchery production, genetic studies, and community outreach efforts.
The sea lamprey control program is the only reported successful aquatic vertebrate invasive species control at an ecosystem scale, driven by over a century of scientific innovation and cooperation.
Underwater sinkholes in Lake Huron host unique microbial mat worlds resembling early Earth conditions, offering analogs for deep-sea vents and extraterrestrial life research.
A comprehensive decadal science strategy proposes a $100 million annual investment to coordinate multinational research, monitoring, and centers of excellence for the Great Lakes.
Sovannara Uk studies phosphorus dynamics and primary production in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, highlighting the need for transdisciplinary collaboration in data-deficient tropical ecosystems.
Charity Nonkes bridges Indigenous Knowledge and Western science in sea lamprey management, collaborating with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to rehabilitate Denny's Dam.
Rebecca Nixon, an environmental social scientist, studies the social dimensions of climate change and coastal community resilience, focusing on revitalization in Great Lakes Areas of Concern.
Richard Micka serves as chair of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, fostering community engagement and outdoor experiences at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Simon Freeman, an undergraduate at Lake Superior State University, conducts research on larval lake whitefish, cisco, and zooplankton in the Great Lakes as part of his senior thesis.
Unexpected filamentous algal blooms are emerging in clear lakes worldwide, driven by invasive mussels, nutrient pollution, and climate change, posing a new threat to littoral habitats.
The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts report details how warming temperatures and extreme precipitation are altering Great Lakes coastal ecology and threatening communities.
A new experimental biophysical nowcast-forecast system helps researchers locate transient productivity hot spots in the dynamic nearshore zones of Lakes Michigan and Huron.
Larval cisco grow faster than larval lake whitefish in low-prey nearshore waters of Lake Michigan-Huron, potentially explaining their recent resurgence while whitefish decline.
A photographic journey through Great Lakes coastal wetlands showcases their dynamic landscapes, diverse vegetation zones, and vital role as spawning habitat for nearly three-quarters of Great Lakes fish.
An ecohydrological study in a Lake Michigan interdunal wetland reveals how rising lake levels and muskrat foraging interact to shape vegetation dynamics and wetland structure.
The Saugeen Ojibway Nation's Coastal Waters Monitoring Program collects the largest multi-year dataset on nearshore fish and habitat in their territory, blending science with sacred stewardship.
Drowned river mouth estuaries in the Great Lakes are hot spots of productivity and human activity, offering ideal conditions for research and potential designation as a National Estuarine Research Reserve.
The Great Lakes nearshore is a legacy of human modification but also a source of hope, where restoration efforts and community engagement are revitalizing vital habitats.
Raising concerns about climate impacts on Great Lakes shores can inadvertently justify destructive armoring; the best ecological response is often to let nature respond naturally.
Tongyao Pu models the stratification and redox chemistry of meromictic lakes, using hydrodynamic simulations to understand how physical conditions drive chemical changes in freshwater systems.
Shayenna Nolan uses eDNA metabarcoding to study microbial communities and carbon dynamics in headwater streams, blending fieldwork with science communication and Anishinaabe principles.
Jacob Cianci-Gaskill works as an application development manager, helping scientists worldwide utilize water quality sensors and technologies for field deployments and data analysis.
Kerry Caslow manages long-term water quality monitoring at Old Woman Creek, contributing to a dataset spanning over 40 years to understand nutrient processing in Lake Erie's estuary.
Research in southwestern Ontario headwater streams compares sampling methods, finding that D-framed sweep nets capture greater macroinvertebrate diversity than petite ponar grabs.
A study of the Omo-Turkana Basin reveals 79 native fish species but highlights threats from hydrological modifications, illegal fishing, and cross-border conflicts affecting local livelihoods.
A new accessible database documents native aquatic species in the Great Lakes, supporting researchers, managers, and citizen scientists with identification guides and distribution data.
Microscopic organisms drive critical ecosystem functions in lakes, yet their biodiversity remains largely invisible and understudied in the face of climate change.
Freshwater ecosystems face an emergency requiring immediate action to bend the curve of biodiversity loss through six priority recovery actions.
William D. Taylor (1950–2022) was a pioneering limnologist whose research on phosphorus cycling and microzooplankton fundamentally advanced Great Lakes science.
Alana Tedeschi researches coastal and riverine systems, focusing on hydrological connectivity in wetlands and the impact of climate change on the Great Lakes.
Alicia Sendrowski integrates science and communication to study phosphorus runoff in the Eastern Lake Erie Watershed and engage the public in remediation.
Jennifer Powell studies the effects of hypoxia and temperature on Lake Chubsucker physiology to develop habitat models for climate adaptation.
Bill Henry applies his expertise in food safety and automation to advocate for the Great Lakes, exploring microbial solutions to reduce agricultural runoff.
A new special issue explores how integrating diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and scientific, is crucial for effective ecosystem governance and sustainability.
An agrosystem approach inspired by UN Sustainable Development Goals offers a path to regenerative agriculture that reduces runoff and supports community well-being.
Lake Vättern demonstrates how participatory, holistic management can successfully reverse eutrophication and sustain iconic fish species like Arctic char.
Mapping social-ecological systems reveals that effective invasive species management requires aligning human governance structures with ecological interdependencies.
A SWOT analysis reveals that while the ecosystem approach is simple to communicate, its implementation in the Baltic Sea suffers from unclear language and resource fragmentation.
Lake Victoria's experience with Nile perch and cage aquaculture highlights the tension between ecosystem principles and the immediate economic needs of local communities.
The Nature Conservancy traces its evolution from a land trust to a global systems-based organization tackling climate change and biodiversity loss through science.
Practical strategies for applying systems thinking to ecosystem management, from mapping feedback loops to broadening timelines and discovering your story.
Managing complex large lakes requires systems thinking to understand interactions, leverage points, and the human dimensions often ignored in reductionist approaches.
A study of 43 Areas of Concern shows how evolving institutional arrangements and nonprofit partnerships have driven successful restoration and economic revitalization.
The Great River Rapport combines Indigenous Knowledge and scientific data to assess the health of the Upper St. Lawrence River in an accessible format.
The ecosystem approach is more vital than ever to manage the Great Lakes against climate change, prompting a new global conference to accelerate action.
Dominique Rumball investigates groundwater quantity and quality, focusing on nutrient transport and climate change impacts in the Great Lakes basin.
Jana Levison evaluates the effectiveness of restoration projects for fish species at risk across Southwestern Ontario as part of the FishCAST program.
Earlier winter runoff correlates with lower summer phytoplankton biomass in temperate lakes, suggesting winter conditions set the stage for summer productivity.
Deep-water fish like round gobies and alewives migrate significantly between seasons, with winter diets and behaviors differing sharply from summer patterns.
Continuous winter monitoring in Lake Erie reveals shifting metabolic states and CO2 fluxes, offering a glimpse into the lake's future low-ice conditions.
Winter conditions drive divergent activity patterns in fish species, promoting coexistence in ways that shorter winters due to climate change may threaten.
Partnerships with the U.S. Coast Guard enable critical winter sampling in Lake Erie, providing unique data on a low-ice future when agency monitoring pauses.
With ice cover declining rapidly, the scientific community must urgently coordinate winter research to understand climate impacts before the data is lost forever.
Winter ecology demands resilience and flexibility, as seen in the comeback of cisco populations in Lake Ontario and the challenges of fieldwork in freezing conditions.
A Russian-Swiss interdisciplinary project reveals how under-ice convections and ice quality drive ecosystem development and carbon emissions in Lake Onego.
A new collaborative network aims to fill the massive data gap in winter research across the Great Lakes through coordinated sampling and shared infrastructure.
Winter is the least studied season in the Great Lakes, yet its changing ice cover dictates critical ecosystem processes that remain poorly understood.
Bob Heath bridged biophysics and ecology to advance Great Lakes research.
Rupert Kindersley advocates for water quality and aquaculture reform.
Climate change and population growth will alter invasive species risk in Ontario.
Five best practices help communicate climate change impacts to communities.
NOAA's dataset shows Lake Michigan's deep waters are warming.
Satellite data reveals the role of large lakes in the global carbon cycle.
Addressing climate change requires centering Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge.
Ancient lakes face unique vulnerabilities to climate change and pollution.
Rising temperatures and dam projects threaten Lake Turkana, requiring adaptation.
Warming winters cause lakes to lose ice cover, threatening ecosystems.
Climate change impacts include rising temperatures, extreme weather, and algal blooms.
Deborah Swackhamer was a pioneering researcher in organic contaminants and policy.
David Baker's 50 years of data revolutionized tributary monitoring.
Patricia Ann Owl bridges Anishinaabe Traditional Knowledge with water governance.
Delaney Demro compares public perceptions of stream quality with biochemical measurements.
Water Rangers use affordable test kits to collect water quality data.
The STREAM project combines DNA metabarcoding with community-based monitoring.
The Cleveland Water Alliance aims to standardize volunteer water monitoring data.
Swim Drink Fish hubs train volunteers to monitor recreational water quality.
The International Joint Commission calls for standardized protocols for community science data.
Erin Brockovich's new book urges citizens to fight America's drinking water crisis through activism and a national self-reporting registry, rather than waiting for regulators or "Superman" to solve the problem.
David L. Spangler (1946–2020) pioneered citizen science sampling to monitor Lake Erie water quality.
Kirsten Robinson develops metrics to track progress in coastal wetland restoration.
Eva Enders' research on flow and climate informs species at risk management.
Panelists share insights on bridging Indigenous and Western scientific approaches.
An Indigenous artist presents a perspective on interconnectedness in the Great Lakes.
IISD-ELA and Treaty 3 communities focus on monitoring and language preservation.
Indigenous sovereignty and the First Treaty emphasize historical foundations of stewardship.
Henry Lickers advocates for integrating Traditional Knowledge and Western science.
A curated list offers resources for integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
Dulcinea Avouris uses remote sensing to study water quality and algal blooms.
Judith Perlinger transitions to online teaching while researching pollutant transport.
Henry Vanderploeg leads NOAA's research on food web dynamics and algal blooms.
Mark Olokotum discusses PhD research on phytoplankton diversity in Lake Victoria.
Yakuta Bhagat balances environmental consulting with family during the pandemic.
Jasmine Mancuso's thesis on algal blooms provides insights for local management.
IAGLR President Ed Verhamme outlines the commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The IAGLR JEDI panel outlines action items to promote diversity within the association.
Experts discuss shared challenges facing large lakes worldwide, including climate change.
A panel discusses the pandemic's impacts on Great Lakes research and policy.
Catherine Masson's passion for swimming influences her research on Great Lakes governance.
Darrin Hunt draws parallels between punk rock DIY ethos and invasive bivalve research.
Cory Brant explains how art enhances his communication as a sea lamprey researcher.
IAGLR transitioned to a virtual conference during the pandemic, discussing the future of meetings.
Scientific illustration communicates biological details through step-by-step sketching guides.
Artists create site-specific paper installations inspired by local waterways.
Three projects combine art and science to communicate Great Lakes research.
The textbook "Freshwater Ecology" serves as a comprehensive resource for students.
Claire L. Schelske's research on phosphorus and eutrophication shaped Great Lakes science.
Savitri Jetoo emphasizes integrated approaches to manage complex environmental challenges.
Alfred Otieno Achieng' researches cage culture impacts in Lake Victoria.
Anika Kuczynski uses modeling to predict nuisance algae growth in the Great Lakes.
Pierre-Denis Plisnier advocates for long-term monitoring networks in African Great Lakes.
Stephanie Guildford and Bob Hecky built shared careers studying large lakes in Africa and North America.
IISD-ELA and ACARE partner to tackle algal blooms in African Great Lakes.
IAGLR shifts toward a global perspective, emphasizing international collaboration on large lakes.
Experts share insights on overcoming barriers to international scientific collaboration.
Joseph Henry Leach (1931–2019) contributed significantly to Great Lakes fisheries and zebra mussel research.
An EPA glider mapped the hypoxic zone in Lake Erie, revealing iron oxidation.
An autonomous vehicle collects high-resolution images of Lake Superior to model periphyton.
Soft pressure sensors detect sea lamprey attachment and trigger deterrents at fish passages.
Multidisciplinary teams develop engineering solutions to address freshwater challenges in AquaHacking.
A large horizontal mooring helps scientists study convective processes in Lake Superior.
Real-time analyzers and the ErieWatch network provide continuous data on phosphorus.
NOAA tests autonomous vehicles to detect microcystin toxins in Lake Erie algal blooms.
Two decades of molecular biology tools are transforming our understanding of lake ecosystems.
Researchers utilize iNaturalist to analyze fish species distributions and infection patterns.
The Lakebed 2030 initiative aims for comprehensive mapping of the Great Lakes lakebed.
Acoustic telemetry provides unprecedented insights into fish movement and habitat selection.
Doug Haffner discusses energy transfer in food webs and integrating knowledge into policy.
Gail Krantzberg shares strategies for communicating science to decision-makers on Great Lakes governance.
Don Scavia reflects on modeling phosphorus and the need for social science in policy.
Emily Tyner uses social media data to inform management decisions on public preferences.
Three key factors enabled the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 to succeed.
Decades of research on nuisance algae exist, yet policy action remains stalled.
Thirty years of tracking lake sturgeon reshaped hydropower policies to save an ancient species.
Thirty years of remedial action plans in Great Lakes Areas of Concern drove billions in economic recovery and community rebirth.
The Toronto Science Policy Network trains students in evidence-based advocacy.
The International Joint Commission bridges science and policy for the Great Lakes.
Whole-lake manipulation experiments at IISD-ELA generate applies science that informs policy.
David Rathke devoted 17 years to Great Lakes research, authoring over 20 publications on Lake Erie and advancing transboundary water quality cooperation through the IJC and EPA.
Al Beeton directed NOAA's GLERL and shaped Great Lakes limnology through decades of research, mentorship, and leadership on the IJC's Science Advisory Board.
Norine Dobiesz advanced Great Lakes fisheries science and global lake ecosystem comparison through quantitative analysis and served as technical editor of the Journal of Great Lakes Research.
Harry Nelson represents Fluid Imaging Technologies, demonstrating FlowCam imaging flow cytometry for aquatic plankton research.
Josie Lindsey-Robbins studies how detritivore abundance influences nutrient cycling and corn biomass in agricultural soils.
Emily Ham investigates microplastic and microfiber occurrences in municipal water systems within the Niagara Region.
Michael Chislock explores the feedback loops between ecological adaptation and evolution in response to eutrophication and emerging contaminants.
Pierre-Yves Caux advises the International Joint Commission on transboundary water levels, flows, and quality.
Lyubov Burlakova studies the long-term ecological impacts of invasive Dreissena species on native mussels and benthic diversity. Her three-decade research spans European and U.S. ecosystems, emphasizing data repositories for trend analysis.
Sara Belontz investigates microplastic distribution and sources in Lake Huron's nearshore and offshore sediments to better understand biological impacts and bioaccumulation threats across aquatic trophic levels.
Advice for early-career scientists on networking, effective communication, and balancing stamina during the annual conference.
IAGLR revives Lakes Letter to boost member engagement and share association news.
Great Lakes Policy
spring 2026 • Issue 29
Large lakes of the world
winter 2026 • Issue 28
Science & Innovation
fall 2025 • Issue 27
Science under threat: Stories from the field
Summer 2025 • Issue 26
Communicating Science
Spring 2025 • Issue 25
Science and Hope
Winter 2025 • Issue 24
Oil Spill Science
Fall 2024 • Issue 23
Remote‑Sensing
Summer 2024 • Issue 22
Water on the Move
Spring 2024 • Issue 21
Human Health
Winter 2024 • Issue 20
Plastic Pollution
Fall 2023 • Issue 19
Legal Frameworks
Summer 2023 • Issue 18
Acoustic Monitoring
Spring 2023 • Issue 17
Collaborative Research
Winter 2023 • Issue 16
Long-term Research
Fall 2022 • Issue 15
Coastal Zone
Summer 2022 • Issue 14
Biodiversity
Spring 2022 • Issue 13
Ecosystem Approach
Winter 2022 • Issue 12
Winter Research
Fall 2021 • Issue 11
Climate‑Change Impacts
Summer 2021 • Issue 10
Community Science (Citizen Science)
Spring 2021 • Issue 9
Community Service
Winter 2021 • Issue 8
Indigenous Knowledge
Fall 2020 • Issue 7
Pandemic, Conference Highlights
Summer 2020 • Issue 6
Arts and Science
Spring 2020 • Issue 5
International Collaboration
Winter 2020 • Issue 4
Technology
Fall 2019 • Issue 3
Science and Policy
Summer 2019 • Issue 2
Lakes Letter Redux
Spring 2019 • Issue 1