November 2024 eNewsletter

Announcements

Accepting proposals: 2025 CIGLR Programs

CIGLR is accepting proposals from Regional Consortium members for a suite of programs that aim to build collaborative partnerships through career development opportunities, visionary science, and impactful outreach. Please visit the full program announcements for descriptions, eligibility, and application information. Contact CIGLR Managing Director Mary Ogdahl ([email protected]) with questions.

Understanding Recreational Fishing for Food in the Great Lakes: A CIGLR Summit

The University of Windsor hosted the fall 2024 CIGLR summit focused on understanding recreational fishing for food in the Great Lakes. Photo Credit: University of Windsor.

When people immigrate to a new country, fishing may be one of the most important cultural linkages between their new lives and that which they left behind. At present, immigration accounts for half of regional population growth throughout the Great Lakes region and it is expected to increase in the coming decade. As a result, fishing pressure from this sub-population of fishers is more than likely going to increase and the sustainability of Great Lakes fisheries depends – to a currently unknown extent – on integrating this fishery harvest into management decision-making. In addition, these anglers may be less aware or concerned about the risks posed by anthropogenic contaminants, particularly mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and may require additional strategies to mitigate contaminant risk. Therefore, understanding the value of fishing to immigrant anglers as well as the conditions in which immigrants engage in fishing is important for managing a potentially unrecognized fishery.

From September 30 to October 2, 2024, a team of experts led by scientists from the University of Windsor, Carleton University, and NOAA GLERL convened to discuss, share, and exchange knowledge and experiences related to understanding and studying this fishery in the Great Lakes. The summit group defined this multidimensional fishery as a ‘provisioning fishery’ – a fishery that offers many ‘provisions’ including recreation, food and nutritional security, economic relief, socio-cultural practices, health, and wellbeing. The objective of this summit was to bring together researchers and community-level stakeholders—such as government agencies, community organizations, and local associations—who have experience working with fishing communities to discuss, share, and exchange knowledge related to this often-overlooked group of fishers. Through group discussions, participants shared valuable perspectives and ideas that will inform upcoming fieldwork, including intercept surveys, focus groups, and interviews. These efforts are aimed at better engaging and understanding provisioning fishers who rely on fishing for food and cultural connections. The insights gained from this summit will help local policymakers understand the significance of provisioning fisheries and will assist in refining our methodologies and strategies for engaging this important, yet understudied, community.

CIGLR Research Featured in U-M’s Vision 2034 “Look to Michigan” Campaign

CIGLR is spotlighted in a series of media promotions as part of the University of Michigan’s Vision 2034 “Look to Michigan” campaign, which celebrates the university’s commitment to addressing global challenges. Through these promotions, CIGLR’s career training program and cutting-edge Great Lakes research is showcased, emphasizing the impact of our efforts to tackle pressing environmental issues such as water quality, climate change, and the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources. By highlighting the institute’s interdisciplinary approach, the campaign demonstrates how CIGLR is at the forefront of preserving one of the world’s largest and most vital freshwater systems.

The media commercials not only feature CIGLR’s scientific advancements but also reflect the broader goals of Vision 2034: to foster innovation, impact communities, and inspire action for a healthier planet. Through this campaign, CIGLR’s work reaches a wider audience, from policymakers and environmental advocates to the general public, raising awareness about the importance of the Great Lakes and the critical need for continued research and stewardship. These efforts align with the University of Michigan’s overarching mission to make a tangible difference in the world, ensuring the future vitality of the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Take a look at CIGLR’s media coverage in the “Look to Michigan” campaign by watching these video clips:
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Glider Launch

CIGLR Welcomes New Members to Our Team

Meena Raju, PhD, is a CIGLR postdoctoral research fellow working with Dr. David Cannon (CIGLR) and NOAA GLERL’s Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative (CEFI) team to simulate the circulation and thermal structure of the Laurentian Great Lakes using a next-generation regional ocean model.

8th Annual Photo Contest Winners

With an unwavering passion for water, the Great Lakes, and science, photographers from CIGLR seek to tell their stories through the lens. For the sixth year in a row, the CIGLR Photo Contest entries feature images that inform, inspire, and amaze. The artful stories that emerge offer shared experiences and adventure through our Great Lakes research. Congratulations to the winners! Learn more about CIGLR through our photographs on our Flickr website.

Category: CIGLR Scenery, 1st place; Caption: Charlevoix Light at Sunset; Photo Credit: Russ Miller