Once considered too polluted for whitefish to thrive, southern Green Bay has suddenly become the only place in Lake Michigan where the fish aren’t collapsing. What can Michigan learn from its success? And will it last?
Great Lakes News Collaborative

Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
Ice shanties & ear stones: A day in Lake Michigan’s last whitefish stronghold
Photos from southern Green Bay’s world-class ice fishing scene help tell the story of ongoing efforts to protect the iconic Great Lakes whitefish.
Consumers warns Michigan: Dams could be torn down unless utility sells them
Critics warn the deal lacks safeguards to protect ratepayers and the public. But utility officials said they’d sooner decommission the dams than negotiate new terms.
Michigan, Enbridge battle over Line 5 pipeline before US Supreme Court
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s yearslong lawsuit to shut down the pipeline could come down to how the Supreme Court interprets a 30-day procedural deadline that Enbridge failed to meet.
It’s not just Palisades: Great Lakes water fuels a regional nuclear revival
Restarting an aging reactor and building next-generation modular plants on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater system.
The energy boom is coming for Great Lakes water. Is Michigan ready?
How the region powers its growth will determine the future of the Great Lakes.
Michigan agencies, outside groups question Consumers dam sale plan
In testimony to state regulators who will decide whether to approve the sale, experts questioned Consumers Energy’s financial math and raised concerns that new owners could stick the public with repair or removal costs.
Ice grips Great Lakes, with Erie nearly fully covered
About 95% percent of Lake Erie is covered in ice, and even half of Lake Superior is too. Bitter cold temperatures have spurred major ice coverage across the Great Lakes, but warmer weather is coming.
Feds take another step toward decision on Line 5 tunnel
The US Army Corps released an environmental review Friday that is the last step toward issuing key permits for the Line 5 tunnel.
Ice caves forming on the Great Lakes, bringing beauty and danger
Natural phenomena on the Great Lakes are beautiful, but adventurers head out on the ice at their own risk.