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| Michigan Faces Great Lakes Challenges For this first issue of Upwellings in 2003, we take the opportunity to highlight notable program achievements during the past year in relation to some of Michigan’s most pressing Great Lakes and coastal challenges. Among them: Sustainable coastal communities: Six of the 10 fastest growing counties in Michigan are located on the Great Lakes shoreline, according to U.S. Census Bureau data for 1990-2000. Growing coastal populations combined with vulnerable natural resources have made sound land-use planning more important than ever in coastal urban areas, tourist communities and remote shoreline villages. Aquatic nuisance species: The invasive zebra mussel has lived in the Great Lakes for more than a decade, and its ecosystem impacts are still unfolding. Anglers continue to catch the exotic round goby, and the invasive sea lamprey requires an ongoing and costly management program. All of this is taking place while the exotic Asian Carp has established itself in waterways less than 50 miles from Lake Michigan. Great Lakes fisheries and trophic change: A healthy Great Lakes fishery with a diversity of native species is an ecological and economic priority. Whitefish, yellow perch, walleye and many other native organisms depend on one another for food. Ecosystem disruptions caused by aquatic nuisance species, industrial contaminants, excess nutrients and runoff continue to jeopardize this important resource. Michigan Sea Grant addresses these and many other issues through the work of top researchers and a network of Extension agents and Communicators who transfer science-based knowledge to resource-users and the public. This document provides selected program accomplishments for the period March 1, 2002 through February 28, 2003. In the coming year, we look forward to broadening our scientific understanding of current challenges and fostering cooperation as we work to protect and enhance our shared Great Lakes resources. George Carignan
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