Great Lakes

"This Web site is dedicated to communicating information on USGS research and monitoring programs in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region"

Program of Special Emphasis

USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan,

has studied the major adult fish populations in the Great Lakes

for more than 50 years, providing resource managers at the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission,

the Lake Committees, and others with annual estimates of

forage fish biomass. USGS scientists at the Great Lakes Science Center

also conduct a wide variety of biological research in the Great Lakes

basin addressing important species of concern such as lake trout,

coaster brook trout, and lake sturgeon. The Great Lakes Science Center

is assisting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and

monitor "Indicators" of Great Lakes health and ecosystem integrity.

To accomplish these science missions, the USGS has the largest fleet

of research vessels stationed throughout the Great Lakes. The fleet

consists of five large (45-107 foot) and several small (20-25 foot) vessels.

These vessels are equipped to sample fish, aquatic invertebrates, and

water quality. Laboratory facilities allow for the identification of taxa,

quantification of prey abundance and diets, and water quality. USGS

research divers assess biota and deploy underwater monitoring

equipment. Use of acoustic and other newly emerging technologies

for fisheries research are helping to keep the science program at the

Great Lakes Science Center healthy and vital.

For additional information, please contact:

Norman G. Granneman

Great Lakes Program Coordinator

U.S. Geological Survey

6520 Mercantile Way

Lansing, Michigan 48911

Phone: 517-887-8936

Fax: 517-887-8937