Michigan Sea Grant

2024 Summer Discovery Cruises
2024-07-09 - 2024-07-28
Summer Discovery Cruises are back!
Cruises will run from Lake St. Clair Metropark July 9-28, 2024 featuring themes like birds, fisheries, lighthouses, and more. Click here for dates and tickets!
Head out onto the waters of Lake St. Clair for a relaxed two-hour trip facilitated by an interpreter or guest speaker. Our vessel holds a maximum of 28 passengers and is semi-enclosed, to provide shade and a bit of protection from light winds. Each session focuses on a Great Lakes topic from the history of Lake St Clair’s South Island Lights to nesting black terns. Topics are designed for audiences ages 6 and above.
What to Expect:
This program takes place entirely on a 28-passenger, semi-enclosed vessel. Interpretive program will be interspersed with opportunities for participants to enjoy the view, take photos, and move around the vessel. Passengers will enter the vessel using a short ladder and will be seated for a portion of the trip. The tour begins and ends at Lake St. Clair’s North Marina.
Ages: 6 and up
Time: 10 a.m.- noon, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., 4 p.m.- 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $30/child, $30/adult
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, North Marina
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Find the full schedule and register here.

Lansing/Jackson MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events
2024-06-24 09:30 - 16:30 (America/Detroit)
The 2024 MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events are now open for registration. Please attend a train-the-trainer session if you are interested in training others in these topics and/or hosting a future public event. Hope you can join us! Please register now or share these events with partners who may be interested.
June 24: Jackson event (rain date July 22)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/LansingJacksonPaddle24/

July 16: Belle Isle (rain date July 24)
Kayak safety/skills only! Two sessions – AM and PM
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SafetyBelleIsle24/

August 2: mid UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPS2024UP/

August 5: western UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSUP24/

August 15: Saginaw Bay event (rain date Aug 29)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSSaginawBay24/

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON THE BIOLOGY OF FISH
2024-06-23 08:00 - 2024-06-27 17:00
The Physiology Section of the American Fisheries Society is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Abstracts and Registration for the 15th International Congress on the Biology of Fish (ICBF) which will be held June 23-27, 2024, on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Organized by The Physiology Section of the American Fisheries Society and hosted by Michigan Sea Grant, the 15th ICBF meeting will provide an opportunity for researchers and scientists from all over the world to share and collaborate on developments and findings in fish physiology.
Following a plenary session with talks by leading international experts, the 15th ICBF will comprise a full program of concurrent thematic sessions over the span of four days, led by renowned researchers. The range of topics will reflect current research in fish conservation physiology, environmental physiology, evolutionary physiology, use of fishes in biomedical research, and other emerging issues. In addition, session organizers will select oral and poster presentations from submitted abstracts with a special emphasis on contributions by early career researchers.
Find more information at michiganseagrant.org/icbf2024

Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Conference, Alpena, Michigan
2024-05-22 08:00 - 2024-05-23 17:00
Learn about the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Network and discover how our valuable Great Lakes fisheries (past, present, and future) can benefit local museum programs, enhance coastal tourism development opportunities, and support community development efforts.
Please register by May 17. Registration is $60.
Agenda

Wednesday, May 22: Registration opens at 10 a.m., networking coffee, picnic at noon, and local tours at the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan; followed by glass bottom boat cruise aboard the Lady Michigan and dinner on your own.
Thursday, May 23: Educational Great Lakes Heritage Trails Conference begins at 9 a.m. at NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Visitor Center. (coffee, lunch provided).

Pre-conference field trips (free!) – offering two fantastic opportunities for additional exploring the morning of May 22 for those interested and arriving in town early.

8 a.m. (May 22) – Birding trip (walking tour) with Elliot Nelson – meet in Holiday Inn lobby (bring your binoculars).
8 a.m.- noon (May 22) – USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station Sea Lamprey research and education tour – traveling from Alpena, departing 8 a.m. from Holiday Inn lobby (carpool or drive self) or meet at Hammond Bay Biological Station (if it is on your way) at 9:15. Address: 11188 Ray Dr, Millersburg, MI 49759

Lodging
Don’t forget to make your lodging reservations! We have a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena (225 River St., Alpena, MI 49707). Call 989-340-1800 or use this booking link and input the conference dates to populate the discount. Group code: MSG (or Michigan Sea Grant).**Consider also exploring other specialty room rates, such as senior discounted rates, which may offer even better room rates than our group rate.
Registration: bit.ly/GLFHT2024

Lake Huron and Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop (Virtual Only)
2024-05-01 18:30 - 20:30
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron and Lake Michigan (Virtual Only)
May 1, 2024, 6:30 -8:30 p.m.
Registration

Lake Huron Les Cheneaux & St Marys River Workshop
2024-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Les Cheneaux & St Marys River
April 30, 2024
Registration

Dingell Park Clean-Up for Earth Day
2024-04-27 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Ecorse Creek Clean-up Committee on Earth Day to kick off the clean-up season!
What: EARTH DAY CLEANUP
When: April 27, 2024 at 9AM – 12 PM
Where: John D. Dingell Park
All supplies will be provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/eqGFXUarrXxs8v4z7

Lake Huron Saginaw Bay Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-25 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Saginaw Bay
April 25, 2024
Registration TBA

Lake Huron Open Water Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-23 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Open Water
April 23, 2024
Registration

Southern Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-18 19:00 - 21:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Southern Lake Michigan
April 18, 2024
South Haven
Registration

Lake Erie / Lake St. Clair Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-11 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Erie/Lake St. Clair
April 11, 2024
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Registration

2024 Water@Michigan Symposium
2024-04-05 08:30 - 17:30
Join us on April 5 at the Michigan League for the 2024 Water@Michigan Symposium, which will center around water justice, access, and affordability across U-M and Michigan.
From ensuring safe drinking water to tackling emerging contaminants and securing equitable access for under-resourced communities, the challenges are significant and the need for change—and action-based research—is urgent. Register today to convene with colleagues and community leaders working to address these challenges.

Registration and agenda

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Birding in Michigan, Where to Go and What to See
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00
Explore the wonderful hobby of birding in fun online classes!
Topics include everything a new birdwatcher should know. This is a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!
Location: Zoom Webinar (link sent after completion of registration)
Schedule:

March 5 – Introduction to Birding and Equipment
March 7 – Backyard Birding and Feeding
March 12 – Conserve the Birds: Birding Ethics and Backyard Habitats
March 14 – Birding in Michigan: Where to Go and What to See

Cost: FREE

Register

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Conserve the Birds, Birding Ethics and Backyard Habitats
2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:00

Lundington Regional Fisheries Workshop
2024-03-11 18:30 - 21:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Ludington Regional
March 11, 6:30-9 p.m.
West Shore Community College
Registration

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Backyard Birding and Feeding
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:00

HABs 101 webinar
2024-03-06 18:00 - 19:30
Get the scoop on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in an upcoming “HABs 101” webinar, hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners around the state.
Tune in on March 6, 2024, at 6-7:30 pm ET, to bust some myths, get tips for keeping your family and pets safe, and learn how you can take action to support healthy water quality on your property and in your community. The webinar will be recorded and made available to registrants after the event.
Topics include: HABs 101, Algae: It’s not easy being green, HABs Response (Risk Mitigation), HABs Prevention, and a Q&A session.

Registration

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Introduction to Birding and Equipment
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:00

The Invasive Species Language Workshop
2024-02-27 12:00 - 2024-02-28 16:00
Communicating about invasive species can get complicated! On February 27-28, in partnership with NAISMA for National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Sea Grant is proud to present The Invasive Species Language Workshop, bringing together invasive species researchers and science communication professionals to share best practices for communicating about biological invasions to scientists, stakeholders, and the public.

Invasive Species Language Workshop Agenda (PDF)

Day 1 (February 27) will feature a webinar series on communications issues in invasion biology, including inclusive language, effective use of metaphor, changes to species names, and more. These hybrid presentations will be available to watch online for free, and virtual attendees will be able to send in questions for discussion.

Register at the link here: https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-the-invasive-species-language-workshop/2024-02-27

Day 2 (February 28), held in-person in Washington, DC, will feature in-depth discussion to develop research topics and interventions to improve communication strategies in invasion biology, including the process for changing species names, harmonizing communications strategies across agencies and research groups, tailoring messaging to different stakeholder groups, and more.

Attendance for this portion is limited: reach out to Tim Campbell (tim.campbell@wisc.edu) if interested in participating in person.

Want to learn more about the importance of language use in invasion biology? Here are some papers, articles, and websites to get you started. This list is a work in progress – please get in touch if you have additional resources to add!

Rhetoric of Invasion Reading List_ A Selected Bibliography (PDF)

34th Annual Great Lakes Day Conference
2024-02-27 09:00 - 15:00
Celebrating Science and Water
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET
Please join us for the 34th annual Great Lakes Day conference: Celebrating Science and Water. This conference will feature presentations on emerging issues such as PFAS and Coastal Resiliency in the Great Lakes; and share research about the fascinating species we find in our Great Lakes — and the challenges marine debris brings.
This event is free, but registration is required. A link to the event will be sent after registration.

Registration
Great Lakes Day Agenda (PDF)

Great Lakes Data-Sharing Webinar
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
Great Lakes researchers generate a wealth of data to help understand and solve thorny regional challenges. Several tools exist to help researchers share their data to improve regional collaboration and knowledge. Learn about GLOS, GLAMOR, and other powerful databases and tools in an upcoming webinar, hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners. Attendees will also get insights into upcoming changes to the National Science Foundation’s RCR and data management requirements.
What: Great Lakes Data-Sharing Webinar
When: February 13, 2024, at 12-1 pm ET
Register: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lzuC3RIzTEC252t7L_nj6A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The presentation will be recorded and sent out to registrants soon after the webinar.

Planning for Sustainable Small Harbors: Project Overview & Useful Tools webinar
2024-01-24 10:00 - 11:30
Register Now for Workshop on Sustainable Small Harbors
Registration is now open for Planning for Sustainable Small Harbors: Project Overview & Useful Tools. Hosted by Donald Carpenter and Kate Bailey, of Drummond Carpenter PLLC, this webinar will feature the work of the Sustainable Small Harbors project, designed to help coastal community leaders assess and strengthen their waterfront assets.
The project team recently published the Sustainable Small Harbors Tools and Tactics Guidebook, which is assisting communities interested in developing and implementing long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainability plans. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the project and learn about relevant tools to help communities navigate coastal planning. This work is the culmination of a collaboration between Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) and the Office of the Great Lakes in the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and other partners.

Registration

Assessing Nutrient Load Reductions in H2Ohio Constructed Wetlands: Case Studies from Brooks Park and the Burntwood-Langenkamp Wetlands
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:00
Join the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) for an upcoming Great Lakes Seminar Series presentation, featuring MISG Director Silvia Newell!
Date: Thursday, January 17
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Location: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, 4840 South State Road, Ann Arbor OR Virtual
Presenter: Silvia Newell, Director, Michigan Sea Grant and Professor, University of Michigan
Click here to register
Assessing Nutrient Load Reductions in H2Ohio Constructed Wetlands: Case Studies from Brooks Park and the Burntwood-Langenkamp Wetlands
About the presentation: Wetlands perform critical ecosystem services, including nutrient reduction, flood mitigation, and biodiversity habitat. More than 90% of wetlands in Ohio have been destroyed and most major water bodies in the state now experience annual harmful cyanobacterial blooms. The H2Ohio Initiative in part funds statewide wetland restoration to improve water quality through nutrient reduction. Dr. Newell is one of the H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program leads, monitoring water quality at newly constructed wetland or restored wetlands. This talk will focus on nutrient reductions at two wetlands: Brooks Park flowing into Buckeye Lake, a hypereutrophic lake experiencing annual harmful algal blooms. Brooks Park wetland was built at the junction of Murphy’s Run creek into Buckeye Lake, draining a very small watershed (1.2 sq. miles) and behaves as either a flow-through wetland or a coastal wetland depending on precipitation. Preliminary data from the first year of monitoring indicates that the wetland is a sink for total nitrogen (>3000 lbs/yr), but a small source of ammonium (~44 lbs/yr). However, the wetland is a very small source of total phosphorus (~42 lbs/yr), while a sink for soluble reactive phosphorus (~16 lbs/yr). The 90-acre Burntwood-Langenkamp Wetland Conservation Area is located at the confluence of Burntwood and Coldwater Creeks in Mercer County. This site is a former corn/soybean field in the Grand Lake Saint Marys watershed. Water enters the site from Burntwood Creek (BWC) through pump and overflow and then flows through a series of settling ponds and vegetated flats that extend for over a mile. BWC drains approximately 5,700 acres of watershed land and can hold approximately 20 million gallons of water. Total Nitrogen (TN) concentrations at the outflow are approximately 73% lower than the TN inflow concentrations, which average over 16.3 mg N/L for the year 2023. An approximate annual decrease thus far of ~55% in SRP concentration has been seen between the inflow and outflow with outflow concentrations averaging 0.044 mg P/L. Nutrient load reduction will likely vary as the wetlands mature, but data from the first year indicate that both wetlands are already performing a vital ecosystem service.
About the speaker: Silvia Santa Maria Newell is Michigan Sea Grant’s director, based in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. A nutrient biogeochemist and microbial ecologist, Silvia’s own research focuses on the effects of excess nutrients from fertilizer and wastewater on inland and coastal waters, particularly harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie. Her current collaborative work in the Lake Erie watershed focuses on engaging stakeholders (farmers, managers, and policymakers) to develop realistic pathways for nutrient reduction. She has held many leadership positions, including serving as co-chair of the Great Lakes Commission HABs Collaboratory for two years and her current position as President of the Lake Erie Area Research Network.

Webinar: Diverting Nutrients from Aquaculture Facilities into Additional Products
2023-12-14 12:00 - 12:30
Nutrient runoff, including from fish farms, contributes to the growth of harmful algal blooms. While aquaculture is an economic opportunity for Great Lakes states, nutrient pollution from fish waste could exacerbate this issue.
Researchers Dr. Silvia Newell and Dr. Kevin Neves developed and analyzed a recirculating aquaculture system for perch production that uses nitrogen waste from fish ponds to support production of prawns and tomatoes.
Ohio Sea Grant will host a webinar on December 14, 2023 at 12:00pm-12:30pm to explore this avenue of research.
Learn more about the speakers and register here

Rare birds in Michigan: Online coffee chat with Elliot Nelson
2023-12-13 10:00 - 11:00
Michigan received some unusal avian visitors in 2023! Join Elliot Nelson and hosts from Kellogg Biological Station and Kellogg Bird Sanctuary for a virtual talk at 10-11am on December 13 about rare birds spotted around the state this year. The event is free, and registration is required.

Seafood HACCP training workshop
2023-12-05 - 2023-12-07
Commercial fishing operators and fish processors must follow strict guidelines to meet tribal, state, and federal requirements for health and food safety. The Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification course is a federal regulation for ensuring that businesses handling seafood products stay up-to-date on requirements and best practices. This allows commercial fishers and processors to meet licensing requirements and provide a safe and healthy product for consumers.
Michigan Sea Grant will host a Seafood HACCP training course on December 5-7, 2023 at the Ojibwa Casino Hotel in Baraga, Michigan (16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Michigan 49908).
Find the agenda and register here: https://qrs.ly/zsfa94p

2023 Place-Based Education Conference
2023-11-09 - 2023-11-11 | Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Rapids, MI
November 9-11, 2023
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Learn more and register
The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative invites you to join us for the 8th Place-Based Education Conference. Come experience a three-day conference designed to inspire and support a community of educators around the power of place-based learning.
Place-based education transforms how teachers teach and how students learn by expanding classrooms to include a community’s organizations, history, and natural features. Investing in place helps youth engage in meaningful learning and civic life, provides vital support for teachers, and strengthens communities.
Who should attend?
This national conference is for K-12 educators and students, university faculty and students, non-formal educators, natural resource professionals, staff of community organizations, business leaders, policy makers, and funders.
Learn more and register

Unpacking Coastal Resilience for Effective Cross Sector Collaboration
2023-10-24 15:30 - 17:00
Water@Michigan Collaborative, hosts in-person networking workshops with community partners.
Quarterly Workshops are an opportunity for university faculty to meet and listen to community partners. The goal of these workshops is to foster mutually beneficial relationships between community partners and interested university researchers by:

Gathering knowledgeable people with common priorities;
Curating connections to university resources;
Offering connections to other community organizations with similar interests;
Sharing information and expertise about priority water topics; and
Facilitating partnerships that can address projects about specific water topics.

We work with community partners to discern focal topics and co-create effective formats that limit redundancy and burdens on our partners.
Unpacking Coastal Resilience for Effective Cross Sector Collaboration
This panel discussion will be moderated by Jen Read, University of Michigan Water Center Director

Mike Shriberg, Director of Engagement, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research & Michigan Sea Grant

Jenna Jorns, Managing Director, Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment

Silvia Newell, Director, Michigan Sea Grant & Professor School for Environment and Sustainability

Location: Rackham Building, Assembly Hall

For more information, including format options, contact Jen Read | graham.umich.edu/wateratmichigan/annual

2023 Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Conference
2023-09-29 - 2023-10-01 | Alpena, MI, Alpena, MI
September 29 – October 1, 2023
Learn more and register
From isolated Beaver Island in Lake Michigan in 2022, the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Conference Team is taking you to the Sunrise side of our great state in 2023.
Lake Huron will be our Great Lake and Alpena our host city. The Northeast side of the lower peninsula is called Michigan’s undiscovered sanctuary for a good reason. You will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing natural resources and unique field trips this conference and locale will offer.
This conference will be back to the standard schedule of pre-conference field trips on Thursday and sessions starting Friday morning running through Sunday noon format.
Learn more and register

Lake sturgeon release events
2023-09-23 11:00 - 15:00
Local, state, and federal partners invite the public to a second lake sturgeon release celebration on September 23, 2023, in the Saginaw Bay river system. Releases will reintroduce more than 100 hatchery-raised sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw Bay river system (Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers). Short presentations may be made at three of the events by local partners.
This year’s release events will mark an important milestone: 5,000 lake sturgeon released into the Saginaw Bay river system to help rebuild populations of this iconic native fish species.

Public release events on Sept. 23 include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River. It will be held at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat in Midland, MI. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.
12 p.m., Shiawassee River. The release will take place at Cole Park in Chesaning, MI, and will be hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Sarah Baker at sbaker@shiawasseeriver.org.
1:30 p.m., Flint River. It will be held at the Paddlers’ Landings (Mott Park Recreation Area) in Flint, MI, and will be hosted by the Flint River Watershed Coalition. For more information, contact Jennifer Raymond at director@flintriver.org.
2 p.m., Cass River. The release is at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, MI, and will be hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Dan Hopp at dhopp@frankenmuthcity.com.

Click here to download a sharable flyer as a PDF
Lake sturgeon are a unique Great Lakes species. They can grow up to 7 feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds. The slow-maturing fish do not begin reproducing until they are 15-20 years old. Once abundant in many Michigan lakes and rivers, lake sturgeon were nearly eradicated due to overfishing and habitat loss, particularly the destruction of rocky reefs in rivers that sturgeon and other native fish species use for spawning. In recent years, many partnerships and projects are working to restore sturgeon to a self-sustaining level in Michigan. This work includes restoring sturgeon habitat, reintroducing sturgeon into their native ranges, and raising awareness and appreciation for this unique species.
The August 2023 sturgeon release events are supported by a variety of partners including City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU Extension, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, Sturgeon for Tomorrow – Black Lake Chapter, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.
Learn more about the lake sturgeon restoration efforts on the Saginaw Bay Sturgeon website (www.saginawbaysturgeon.org).
GENERAL RELEASE EVENT QUESTIONS, CONTACT
Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, gassmeag@msu.edu, (989) 895-4026 ext. 5
Mike Kelly, The Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Office, Director, kellym@conservationfund.org, (989) 892-9172
