Using an ecosystem approach, Sea Grant research provides resource managers with essential information about the Great Lakes food web, predator-prey dynamics and the life histories of key fish populations on which to make stocking decisions. Great Lakes Sea Grant scientists have developed computer models of fish bioenergetics to forecast fish growth in lake, river and ocean environments based on the availability of prey and a variety of physiological factors. Sea Grant Advisory Service personnel are now teaching fish managers throughout the United States and abroad how to use this powerful new management tool. Such tools and knowledge can help managers halt the over-exploitation of U.S. fisheries resources and rebuild stocks to the level needed for increased sustainable landings. First DDT and mercury, then PCBs and a variety of other toxic chemicals have been found in Great Lakes fish at levels high enough to severely restrict use of the lakes' fisheries due to the human health risks of eating the fish.
Toxic contaminants continue to be a major concern.
Growing concern about coastal pollution and the discovery of similar toxic contaminants in ocean fish makes this Great Lakes Sea Grant expertise in contaminants research and consumer education a national asset. The Great Lakes and oceans serve many practical needs for the United States and its citizens, including the large-scale transport of bulk commodities and manufactured goods, recreational opportunities, coastal living environments, and oil, gas and mineral supplies. Resourceful, efficient use of Great Lakes and ocean resources requires the application of many engineering disciplines and the use of myriad scientific and mathematical principles to design and construct ships and recreational craft, docks, offshore work platforms and related equipment, as well as to develop technologies for combating coastal erosion, storm wave damage and pollution. Great Lakes Sea Grant researchers and outreach specialists are actively involved in many aspects of marine engineering important to the utilization of Great Lakes and ocean resources. Sea Grant also supports the development of K-12 curricula for teachers and a host of adult education materials about the Great Lakes and oceans that contribute to the environmental education and general scientific literacy of Americans nationwide.