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Video: Scientists map bottom of the Great Lakes to explore hidden habitats

Lakebed in the Great Lakes.
Benthic lakebed mapping. (Courtesy of Great Lakes Now)

Researchers are using cutting-edge technology to map the lakebeds of the Great Lakes, uncovering valuable data about the ecosystems beneath the surface.

At Michigan Technological University’s Great Lakes Research Center, Hayden Henderson and his team are part of an ongoing effort to document benthic. Using a wide array of technology, they’re gathering detailed images of the lakebeds, providing vital information to fishery and resource managers. These maps are not only crucial today but will continue to inform decisions for years to come.

This collaborative effort, involving experts across the region, aims to enhance the understanding and management of the Great Lakes, offering a deeper look at the lakes’ ecosystems and the challenges they face.

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Find all the work HERE.

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Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.

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