Wisconsin Sea Grant has taken the lead in exploring dredging, treatment and disposal techniques for sediments from small-craft harbors. A cooperative information exchange network has been established with experts from the Netherlands. Workshops, presentations and reports have been employed to convey new information on treating and disposing of contaminated sediment to U.S., Canadian, state and private agencies and firms. In a complementary effort, Ohio Sea Grant has developed equipment and models to measure bottom turbulence and the resuspension and transport of bottom sediments. Dock Design and Maintenance .
Docks are crucial structures in Great Lakes small-craft harbors.
In the Great Lakes, ice damage is a difficult challenge for marina owners. Wisconsin Sea Grant has conducted several years of research on ways to reduce ice damage. An annual conference, design manual and a videotape convey the most recent findings to dock designers and operators. Other marina operating problems being addressed by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network include the handling of sewage from boats, conversion of commercial harbors to recreational use and boat storage systems. Small high-speed craft are used widely as recreational and commercial vehicles.