GLIN==> GLIN news release: Wisconsin Sea Grant Funding

For Immediate Release
Feb. 4, 2010
For More Information:  Moira Harrington, (608) 263-5371, moira at aqua.wisc.edu<mailto:moira at aqua.wisc.edu>
                                           Carolyn Rumery Betz, (608) 263-3149, betzc at aqua.wisc.edu

Kohl Announces $2 Million to Research Critical Great Lakes Issues, Including Threat From Asian Carp
Federal Funding for Education and Outreach on Invasive Species and More



WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl today announced the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute has received nearly $2 million to support research, education and outreach activities related to Lakes Michigan and Superior, including work to try and prevent the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species.

            The funding represents the first year of an approved two-year fund to the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Program from the National Sea Grant College Program, which is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The federal funding will be combined with state funding to support 26 projects at six UW campuses (Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Superior, Green Bay and Manitowoc), Northland College and the Wisconsin Historical Society. In all, more than 100 scientists, staff and students will be supported by the funding.

"Lakes Michigan and Superior are truly international treasures. They represent a source of livelihood and pleasure for millions," UW Sea Grant Director Anders W. Andren said. "Among other projects, this funding support will enable UW Sea Grant researchers and outreach specialists to continue their efforts to better understand best-management options and the potential implications of Asian carp that threaten to disrupt the entire ecosystem of Lake Michigan."

Aquatic invasive species are a larger issue than just Asian carp, and lake scientists will also study ways to defeat destructive quagga and zebra mussels, along with invasive plant species such as Eurasian watermilfoil.

Funds will also be combined with those from Illinois/Indiana Sea Grant to support research that will further clarify the effects of aquatic invasive species on the food chain in Lake Michigan. These efforts will take advantage of the fact that NOAA and the Environmental Protection Agency are planning an intensive field sampling effort in Lake Michigan this summer.

Additionally, UW Sea Grant will sponsor research on:

*         Developing communication and education tools about the St. Louis River Estuary, the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior and one which forms the headwaters of the entire Great Lakes System. This work will be done in partnership with Minnesota Sea Grant and is aligned with efforts to create a National Estuarine Research Reserve.

*         The sources of beach contamination.

*         The effects of climate change on the stormwater hydrology in urban areas.

*         Ways to eradicate the fish-sickening viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, in aquatic ecosystems.

*         The impact of recent steps to reduce the inflow of mercury to Lake Michigan.

The National Sea Grant College Program is a network of 32-university-based programs dedicated to enhancing the practical use and conservation of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources to creating a sustainable economy and environment. The University of Wisconsin program is one of the first, and most respected, in the nation.



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Moira Harrington
Communications Manager
Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center
Room 243, 1975 Willow Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608.263.5371
aqua.wisc.edu

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