A new University of Michigan study found that voracious bighead carp could survive in wider areas of Lake Michigan than previously thought. The findings loudened calls for Congress to approve a $778 million barrier to prevent the invasive fish from jeopardizing the Great Lakes’ $7 billion commercial fishery.
Great Lakes
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Before debates, Gretchen Whitmer urges Democrats to protect Great Lakes
Joining fellow Democratic governors in Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Michigan’s governor urges presidential hopefuls to protect the Great Lakes by backing proposals that would improve water quality and thwart invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Commercial fishing is sinking fast in Michigan. Time for more regulations?
Sportfishing is booming in Michigan, while fewer than two dozen commercial businesses tie their livelihoods to the Great Lakes. The industry has a rich heritage, but some say it’s time to ‘pull the plug on the horse and carriage industry.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Invasive mussels challenge commercial whitefish fishing in the Great Lakes
The spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes has wreaked havoc on Great Lakes food chains. They may be behind a startling decline in whitefish, the most valuable stock for fishermen.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Surging Great Lakes threaten Michigan’s beloved Fishtown
Heavy rains are taking a toll on the collection of fishing shanties in the Leelanau Peninsula, eroding some buildings and flooding others. That’s accelerating a fundraising effort to preserve the buildings.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Surging Great Lakes water levels shrink beaches, flood docks in Michigan
A few years after record lows, Lakes Erie, St. Clair and Superior broke records for average water heights in May
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Opinion | Climate change drives shifts between high, low Great Lakes water levels
Great Lakes are in ‘uncharted territory,’ as climate change prompts sudden lurches in water levels, two University of Michigan professors write.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Great Lakes water levels could break records
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Here's how your ideas could help save Lake Superior's Buffalo Reef
Michigan officials are mulling how to thwart millions of tons of mining waste threatening to smother Buffalo Reef, a vital spawning ground for lake trout and whitefish. Here’s your chance to offer feedback.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan, Great Lakes at risk for oil spills beyond Line 5, report says
As Michigan lawmakers race to create a deal to protect Line 5, a new report flags 15 areas across the Great Lakes where habitats are vulnerable to oil spills.