Michigan Sea Grant
Doing good for the Great Lakes.
Official account for Michigan Sea Grant (MISG), a collaborative NOAA program housed at University of Michigan and Michigan State University Extension.
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantStill time to register! Educators are invited to join the Great Lakes Region Place-Based Education Institute starting this Feb and dive into hands-on strategies that connect students with their communities and local environments. Learn more & register: greatlakesstewardship.org/about-2/gl-r...
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantResearchers want help from ice fishers to collect data on ice thickness to improve ice forecasting in the #GreatLakes. www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/202...
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantColdest Lake Michigan morning of the year, so far. #GreatLakes
- Stay safe, folks!
- Talks of snow may be exciting, but dangerously cold temperatures bring even more risk this weekend. -50F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast pose a life threatening risk this weekend. Have a plan to stay warm! www.weather.gov/safety/winte...
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantLast call! Our Intro to Lakes online course starts soon - you can sign up through 5 PM ET January 27. Join us! www.canr.msu.edu/courses/intr...
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantAre you a grad student in Illinois or Indiana working on topics that could benefit #GreatLakes communities? The @ilinseagrant.bsky.social Graduate Scholars program provides funding to advance research as well as professional networking and development opportunities iiseagrant.org/its-time-to-...
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantGreat Lakes ice update for January 19, 2026: Combined 19% | Lake Superior 7% | Lake Michigan 17% | Lake Huron 25% | Lake Erie 55% | Lake Ontario 5% | #GreatLakes
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantThe GLC will be hiring a 2026 miseagrant.bsky.social summer intern! This position will fund an undergraduate to work on aquatic invasive species projects relevant to the #GreatLakes, including the #GLAISBlitz. For more info and how to apply, visit: ow.ly/ZTSk50Y05Hv
- It's fun to watch these two Brits discovering our wonderful state: buff.ly/2rZzVy9
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantThis is pretty neat. Watch the documentary through the link. It's about 22 minutes long. Protecting our Great Lakes is so important. More of us need to get involved. #greatlakes #dinosaurfish #greatlakespulse
- Missed last month's premier of the Dinosaur Fish documentary, featuring lake sturgeon restoration in Saginaw Bay? Never fear, you can still watch the doc and support sturgeon restoration in many fun ways: buff.ly/YURr3L3
- Missed last month's premier of the Dinosaur Fish documentary, featuring lake sturgeon restoration in Saginaw Bay? Never fear, you can still watch the doc and support sturgeon restoration in many fun ways: buff.ly/YURr3L3
- Some familiar nemesis species on this list: www.michiganpublic.org/environment-... #AIS
- Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant's bird whisperer, shares his wintertime tips for spotting raptors, finches, grouse, gulls, and more (especially in the Eastern Upper Peninsula). Grab your binoculars, and let us know what you see! buff.ly/hC1yqn4
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantThe deadline is fast approaching to sign up for our online Introduction to Lakes course. January 27 at 5 pm is when the boat leaves the dock! We hope you can join us, and help us spread the word.
- It might look like a leaky washing machine or a spilled root beer float, but this burst of bubbles had a very natural explanation: buff.ly/84STmdc
- Reposted by Michigan Sea Grant
- An extended version of MSU Extension’s popular Conservation Stewards Program is coming to the Capital region in 2026:
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantOur #GreatLakes HABs Collaborative is hosting a new webinar series on communicating HAB risk! The first webinar will occur Jan 21 and focus on how communities perceive scientific information and how these perceptions influence public engagement & decision-making. ow.ly/VHgn50XSqXs
- Are you a fan of the St. Clair/Detroit River region? Come learn and share at the SCDRS annual general meeting, which offers a variety of in-person and hybrid ways to participate: buff.ly/ypAuqww Presentations and conversations will highlight lake sturgeon, reef restoration, microplastics, and more.
- Our friends at Lake Superior State University have an open posting for an Assistant Professor of Aquaculture! Come for the state-of-the-art hatchery facility, stay for the chance to work in beautiful Sault Ste. Marie: buff.ly/RwewNHI #GreatLakesJobs
- We're suckers for good piping plover news!
- ✨ Holiday hopes from all of us at Michigan Sea Grant ✨
- Did you know? Five lamprey species are found in the Great Lakes -- but only one is invasive! Learn about these ancient jawless fish:
- Are you a fan of the St. Clair/Detroit River region? Come learn and share at the SCDRS annual general meeting, which offers a variety of in-person and hybrid ways to participate: buff.ly/ypAuqww Presentations and conversations will highlight lake sturgeon, reef restoration, microplastics, and more.
- Our friends at the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) are recruiting for their summer undergrad/grad student fellowship program! Apply to work on amazing Great Lakes research projects: buff.ly/CXVyqHN
- We shipped bookstore items all over the country in 2025! States marked in green are all home to excellent new educational resources and Great Lakes gear -- states marked in blue, 2026 is your year 😉
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantToday is the last day to register to IAGLR/SCAS 2026!! iaglr.org/iaglr-scas26/
- Two fabulous river groups need volunteers for stonefly searches in January! Stoneflies are important bugs that tell us a lot about the health of Michigan rivers. These volunteer events are great outdoor winter activities for individuals and groups. Join one (or both!):
- --> Huron River Watershed Council: Saturday, January 17 (start times at 9am and 10:30am): buff.ly/u7Zcgpo --> Friends of the Rouge: Saturday, January 24 (start time at 10am:) buff.ly/aKJDitx
- Grab that last-minute Christmas gift for the Great Lakes fan in your life! Our online store closes for the holiday break at *5 pm* tonight, so get your orders in now to ensure they ship by Christmas. And remember to use promo code HOLIDAY20 to get 20% off your order! miseagrant.com
- Educators, unlock the potential of Great Lakes education with the latest Center for Great Lakes Literacy newsletter! Explore opportunities like vessel-based learning, an aquaculture competition, and classroom-ready resources on maritime heritage, algal blooms, and invasive species: buff.ly/uJlXKwe
- Did a Michigan Sea Grant training or program make a lasting impact? Did a staff member leave a positive impression? Did Michigan Sea Grant help advance your research or education goals? Let us know through this quick feedback survey! buff.ly/Cek9qmi (1/2)
- (2/2) Your input helps us show Congress how federal funding makes a meaningful difference for people in Michigan and around the Great Lakes. Right now, as we're beginning to prepare our 2025 federal report, is a perfect time to send us your feedback and impact stories!
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantThe Invasive Crayfish Collaborative is closing out 2025 with a webinar tomorrow (Wednesday Dec. 17) at 10 AM CT from Dr. Chris Taylor (@prairieresearch.bsky.social). Learn about all things Midwest crayfishes (sorry Chappell fans, no princesses here) by registering: invasivecrayfish.org/events1/
- Student teams in 6-12th grade can register now for the Great Lakes Aquaculture Challenge! This fun STEM competition encourages kids to design and build aquaponics systems right in the classroom. Informal Q&A sessions for new and returning coaches on Dec. 19 and Jan 8:
- ICYMI: December Upwellings is here! We've got oil-sniffing dogs, holiday dinner tips, marina champions, fresh student internships, and more: buff.ly/AKr5ace
- Yoopers, have you ever danced with Heikki Lunta? Fun wintery throwback from @atlasobscura.com: buff.ly/KA98mRV
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantCheck out #CIGLR's new blog post: Lake-effect snow is dramatic, but hard to predict. A recent study by #CIGLR’s @abbathehut.bsky.social w/ @NOAA @UMich & @UofIllinois explores how snowflakes grow in these storms & why models often struggle: ciglr.seas.umich.edu/big-lakes-bi... #GreatLakes
- ICYMI: Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant's resident bird-whisperer, shares his tips for spotting snowy owls this winter (plus reminders for good owl-watching etiquette):
- Undergrads, apply for our Summer '26 internships! We fund students doing Great Lakes stewardship/research projects with businesses, nonprofits, and agencies around Michigan. Design your own project or apply for one submitted by potential sponsors! Applications due January 31: buff.ly/fqdi4fI
- Could aquaculture be an untapped opportunity to strengthen community resilience and MI's blue economy? buff.ly/U1jC5Ou Aquaculture facilities raise seafood for stocking, food, aquariums, bait, and fee-fishing. State and federal hatcheries also raise fish for conservation/recreation stocking. (1/2)
- (2/2) Aquaculture farms can provide Michigan with regional food security, fuel small/rural community economies, and anchor a stronger domestic supply chain. buff.ly/U1jC5Ou
- Back in the 1960s, 18 American bluegill got a royal welcome in Japan -- and became the center of an ecological catastrophe. Great reporting from Interlochen Public Radio's Points North team (including an interview with our own @helloellower.bsky.social !)
- Our Extension crew had a blast with Alcona students at their fall harvest celebration! Alcona FFA students worked with us to host a Mi Fresh Fish table featuring aquaculture producers like Cedarbrook Trout Farm. Students used the VR headset to take a 3D tour of Cedarbrook's facilities.
- December Upwellings is here! We've got oil-sniffing dogs, holiday dinner tips, marina champions, fresh student internships, and more: buff.ly/AKr5ace
- Next April, join us at the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit! This powerful gathering celebrates Indigenous food systems, cultural resilience, and community-driven solutions for food sovereignty (1/2) buff.ly/23rIavB
- (2/2) The conference brings together Tribal leaders, farmers, scholars, and advocates to share knowledge, build relationships, and inspire action: buff.ly/23rIavB
- Did a Michigan Sea Grant training or program make a lasting impact? Did a staff member leave a positive impression? Did Michigan Sea Grant help advance your research or education goals? Let us know through this quick feedback survey! buff.ly/Cek9qmi (1/2)
- (2/2) Your input helps us show Congress how federal funding makes a meaningful difference for people in Michigan and around the Great Lakes. Right now, as we're beginning to prepare our 2025 federal report, is a perfect time to send us your feedback and impact stories!
- Are you a #GreatLakes #InvasiveSpecies researcher or communicator planning to attend #IAGLR26 in Winnipeg? Submit an abstract to our Session 19 by December 19! bit.ly/4nTTfxz @iaglr.bsky.social #AIS
- Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood. Could Michigan's small and carefully regulated aquaculture industry be key to cultivating a sustainable future for Great Lakes fisheries? buff.ly/Fsb21Xj
- #FoodieFriday As per Michigan Sea Grant holiday tradition, here's our favorite cookie recipe -- and decorating tips from a baking maven -- to help you "catch" the festive spirit:
- The #GLANSIS team will be chairing Session 19: Invasive Species Research and Communication! Submit your abstract soon and come join us in Winnipeg!
- Don’t miss your chance to present! Call for Abstracts is now open, offering 70+ sessions to help you find the perfect fit for your oral or poster presentation. The 2026 hybrid conference will take place May 25–29 in Winnipeg. Submit by December 19: bit.ly/4nTTfxz
- Need a fresh hit of Elliot Nelson's enthusiasm for birds? Tune into his virtual coffee-hour talk on Dec. 10 about rare birds that have been spotted in Michigan, hosted by the Kellogg Biological Station and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary: buff.ly/ML1udBH
- ✨ Holiday hopes from all of us at Michigan Sea Grant ✨
- "This reef restoration is a step toward bringing good habitat back—for the fish, and for the people of this community who are proud to see their Bay thrive again..." A new rock mound in Saginaw Bay is giving fish a safe place to lay eggs. We're proud to be part of this great project!
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantWhat’s being done to keep whitefish from disappearing? Why do chefs at a restaurant in our region forage for your food? And how did the Erie Canal shape the world we live in? Find out in our latest episode: youtu.be/cDasyGwwVMM
- Reposted by Michigan Sea GrantGreat Lakes ice is thought to block evaporation. A new study says weather plays a bigger role. Study challenges assumption that ice cover leads to reduced evaporation #GreatLakes www.wpr.org/news/great-l... agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
- Outside, it's December. Inside, we're still day-dreaming about Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp...
- Teachers, get a crash course in harmful algal blooms -- and tools to bring your new knowledge into the classroom -- with a FREE, self-paced learning module from CGLL: buff.ly/qkb3OXe
- Revitalizing Ox Creek could prove life-changing for the surrounding communities through development of jobs, housing, and economic vitality. A new plan captures the trajectory of upcoming work and commitments:
- #FoodieFriday From kudzu to feral pigs, catfish to insects, @invder.bsky.social at Virginia Tech has tried 'em all, thanks to his annual class potluck featuring recipes made with invasive species. Which local invasive species would you cook up? buff.ly/T4edG69 @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social
- Today, as always, we're thankful for the Great Lakes and all the incredible people who care for them
- The Michigan Clean Marina program recently welcomed four new certified marinas and seven recertifying marinas! Learn how this impactful voluntary program encourages marinas to take steps that improve water quality at their facilities: buff.ly/G4fXKwv
