Fishing

Economic and Ecological Challenges in the Great Lakes Whitefish Industry The whitefish industry in the Great Lakes has been confronting a series of tricky parts and tangled issues that go beyond mere numbers and charts. In recent years, whitefish populations have been sinking at a pace that even the experts did not predict. For many […] More

Whitefish Decline in the Upper Great Lakes: A Crisis Affecting Economy and Culture Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that the whitefish population in the upper Great Lakes is facing a significant decline. As an avid follower of our region’s environmental health and local economies, I find this trend both concerning […] More

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025: A New Chapter in Fisheries Management The passage of the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 by the House of Representatives marks a turning point in the way we approach fishery management and ecological preservation in one of America’s most treasured regions. This opinion […] More

Overview: The Invasive Sea Lampreys in Lake Erie The story of the sea lamprey in Lake Erie is a fascinating, though troubling, chapter in the history of the Great Lakes ecosystem. These parasitic creatures, measuring 12 to 18 inches long, have managed to thrive for over 340 million years. However, their long tenure on Earth […] More

Celebrating the Enigmatic Sturgeon Moon This August The night sky is set to put on an unforgettable show this August with the arrival of the full Sturgeon Moon. As a passionate enthusiast for both travel and outdoor pursuits, I find this annual lunar event to be a delightful reminder of nature’s wonders. The full Moon, […] More

Introduction: A New Culinary Challenge for Arkansas In recent years, Arkansas has taken center stage in an effort that is as much about saving local aquatic ecosystems as it is about rethinking the nation’s culinary palate. Invasive carp—fish that have long been dismissed as a nuisance—are now at the heart of an intriguing strategy designed […] More

Reflections on a 62-Year Journey: The Tale of Mary Catherine and Lake Superior The story of Mary Catherine—a lake trout born during the presidency of John F. Kennedy and now recognized as the oldest known lake trout in the Great Lakes—offers more than a simple recounting of nature’s longevity. It provides a window into both […] More

Examining the $2.1 Million Grant for a Sea Lamprey Barrier The recent announcement of a $2.1 million federal grant to design a sea lamprey barrier in Grand Rapids has stirred up plenty of opinions, debates, and discussions. At an event marked by both unusual demonstrations and serious environmental concerns, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten took center stage. […] More

Reviving a Native Treasure: The Return of Lake Sturgeon to Michigan Waters The revitalization of the lake sturgeon population in Michigan’s Saginaw River system is more than just an environmental success story—it’s a symbol of hope, community effort, and the delicate balance between nature and human actions. The recent release of native sturgeon, reared at […] More

Rapid Combined Sewer Overflow and Its Environmental Fallout The recent environmental incident in Milwaukee has sparked plenty of discussion among community members and environmental observers alike. An overwhelming rain event led to the release of chemicals, biomass, and a mix of wastewater into Milwaukee Harbor from southeast Wisconsin. This colossal incident, measured at around 5 […] More

An Unwanted Visitor in Our Waterways: The Invasive Carp Debate The story of invasive carp—bighead, black, and grass carp—has become a hot topic throughout our waterways and among environmental enthusiasts alike. Originally introduced to Arkansas fish farms for a very specific purpose—to limit algae growth—these fish have since escaped into the wild. Their journey into […] More

Declining PFAS Levels in Great Lakes Fish: A Closer Look at Changing Tides in Michigan’s Waters The Great Lakes have long been a barometer for environmental shifts, reflecting not only nature’s resilience but also the consequences of human industrial activities. Recent scientific research reveals that levels of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—in Great Lakes fish have […] More