June 2009 Table of Contents |
| Photo: Marsee |
News Roundup from Michigan Sea Grant Shipwrecks and Boblo and Fish, Oh My! The Summer Discovery Cruises are back. The variety of themed cruises along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair begin June 21 and run through August 9. Sturgeon, eagles, shipwrecks, rumrunners, lighthouses, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Bob-lo and wetlands are just a few of the topics that will be explored during the 2009 season. The cruises leave from Lake Erie Metropark and Metro Beach Metropark and last about two hours, with the exception of the Big River Meander, which lasts about four hours. The cruises are open to the public (ages 6 and up). Cost for adults is $15, and $10 for children under 18. There is an additional $5 cost for the Big River Meander. It is now easier tha ever to sign up for the cruises with online registration. See: Website for descriptions of all the options, to see the complete Summer Discovery Cruise schedule and to register. Michigan Clean Marina Program Continues to Grow Designated clean marinas have implemented a suite of best management practices that promote environmental and economic marina and boating procedures. There are now 25 certified clean marinas around the state. The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a voluntary stewardship program open to all public and private marinas in the state and is a joint undertaking by the Michigan Boating Industries Association, Michigan Sea Grant and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. See: Information on the Program Great Lakes Commission Fellowship Begins The Great Lakes Commission-Sea Grant fellow works with members of the Great Lakes science, policy and information/education communities to advance the environmental quality and sustainable economic development goals of the Great Lakes states. The focus of the fellowship is on research and policy analysis. Patel will be housed at the Great Lakes Commission offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan. See: More information on the fellowship Knauss Fellows Named Nohner graduated this spring with a master’s degree from the School of Natural Resources and Environment, working under the supervision of Sea Grant Director Jim Diana. Nohner is interested in habitat restoration and aquatic ecology. His thesis focused on habitat requirements for inland musky populations. “Marine and Great Lakes management issues have always intrigued me, because they involve multiple stakeholders and value systems,” Nohner said. “These complex problems are often addressed by scientists or policy makers, but there is an increasing need for interdisciplinary thinking that bridges the gap between the two.” Nohner said that is what he would like to focus on during the fellowship. Rabb is a Ph.D. student in MSU’s Sociology Department. Rabb said she is interested in the human side of natural resource management and has focused her studies on conflict surrounding the Alaskan halibut fishery. “My five summers of commercial fishing were an invaluable experience in which I learned about the biological, physical and social aspects of commercial fishing as well as the economic and social realities of the fishing communities themselves,” she said. “This experience was not something that could be learned in a classroom. I know that this fellowship will be a similarly unique experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom.” Michigan Sea Grant recommended both for the fellowships. They will join other finalists from around the nation in Washington, D.C., in December 2009. They will be matched with host departments in the legislative and executive branches of government, beginning a one-year assignment in February. See: More information on the fellowship To read more about the fellowships or to hear about past fellow experiences, visit the blog |