Michigan Sea Grant

Webinar: Through the Eyes of a Stormwater Specialist: Managing Stormwater at a Marina
2025-07-23 13:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)
As part of theGreat Lakes Clean Marinas Network 2025 Webinar Series, Stormwater Specialist, Megan Bolyard, will share the prospective of a trained eye and will delve into ways to manage stormwater at a marina in our summer webinar: “Through the Eyes of a Stormwater Specialist: Managing Stormwater at a Marina”.
Register by clicking this link: go.osu.edu/2025stormwaterwebinar

HABS 101: Lake Stories
2025-08-06 18:00 - 19:30
Join Michigan Sea Grant and state partners for this free webinar on August 6, 2025, at 6-7:30pm.
Hear firsthand from Michiganders who are tackling harmful algal blooms (HABs) in their inland lakes. See how they’re bringing neighborhoods and communities together to identify challenges and explore solutions. Michigan Sea Grant Director Silvia Newell will also share her perspective as a researcher putting potential HABs solutions to the test.
Register here to receive the zoom link.

MI Paddle Stewards Kayak Safety Training: Southeast MI
2025-08-21 10:00 - 16:30
Kayak Skills Safety Training Lake St. Clair Metropark
2 sessions offered (choose one – maximum of 10 for each session)
Aug. 21, 2025
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
OR
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Learn about Kayak Safety — how to avoid potential dangers, practice self-rescue skills and develop the skills you need to manage minor in-water incidents.
Note: please wear quick-dry clothes for water immersion – no cotton. Bring dry clothes to change into after the course is complete (water immersion will be the last course element).
Participants MUST either bring their own kayak or RENT one from Simple Adventures ($40 cost). Please book your own kayak reservation.
Participants must be 18 or older and will need to meet the 11 ACA Eligibility Criteria for the training.
This is a free event. (kayak rental is NOT included). Parking fee is included in your reservation.
Please bring a water bottle, sack lunch, sun block, and weather appropriate clothing to the event.
Back up date for inclement weather: same times Aug. 28.

Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact Erica Clites at 313-494-4678 or clitese1@msu.edu.

Lake Sturgeon Community Release Celebrations: Saginaw Bay region
2025-08-22 11:00 - 15:00
On August 22, 2025, community members and conservation partners are invited to help release young lake sturgeon into the Saginaw Bay watershed. Attendees at these free riverside release events will reintroduce more than 100 native sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw River system (e.g., Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers).

The juvenile sturgeon being released in August come from the Black River in Cheboygan County. They hatched in the river as a result of natural reproduction. In late May 2025, researchers from the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries & Wildlife and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources moved the fish to the Black Lake Streamside Rearing Facility for safekeeping. The young fish spent the summer growing to 4-6 inches in length before their release into the Saginaw River system.
Public release celebrations on Aug. 22 across the Saginaw Bay Watershed include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River, at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat Launch in Midland, hosted by the Chippewa Nature Center. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.

Noon, Shiawassee River, at Cole Park in Chesaning, hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Liz Roxberry at info@shiawasseeriver.org.

1:30 p.m., Flint River, at Paddlers’ Landings (Mott Park Recreation Area) in Flint, hosted by the Flint River Watershed Coalition. For more information, contact Emily Stetson at estetson@gcparks.org.

2 p.m., Cass River, at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Matt Bierlein at mbierlein@frankenmuthcity.com.

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 – including the Saginaw River System – 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. 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.

Many partners have been working since 2017 to bring sturgeon back to the Saginaw River system. Thus far, community members and partners have released close to 7,000 sturgeon into local waters. Partners that support the August 22, 2025 sturgeon release events, including Bay County, City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, MSU 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 and get involved here.

If you have general release event questions, please 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, 989-892-9171

Inland Lake Field Day
2025-09-08 14:00 - 17:00
Presentations Include:

HABs Identification for Safe Recreation
Rainfall Simulator Demonstration
EGLE’s Septic Replacement Loan Program
MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program
Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative
Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network
Volunteer Science Data Collection Demo

Date: September 8th 2025
Time: 2-5 pm
Location: Little Long Lake, 320 Ln 130 Long Lake, Fremont, IN 46737

Upon registering we will invite you to the event via google calendar which will provide up to date information about the agenda

Inland Lake Field Day RSVP Form

Michigan Birding 101: Fall Refresher
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:15
Fall Refresher: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. ET
Backyard Fall Bird ID and Habitat Tips: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Anywhere with internet via Zoom Webinar! (link sent after completion of registration)
Join Michigan Sea Grant as we explore the wonderful hobby of birding in 2 FREE and FUN classes. These classes are geared toward beginning birders. We will have instructional time at the start of each class followed by a Q&A session. This a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!
Want to watch the Spring series? The videos are available online so you can watch them anytime.

Registration link

Michigan Birding 101: Backyard Fall Bird ID and Habitat Tips
2025-09-11 19:00 - 20:15

Lake Sturgeon Community Release Celebrations: Saginaw Bay region
2025-09-20 11:00 - 15:00
On September 20, 2025, community members and conservation partners are invited to help release young lake sturgeon into the Saginaw Bay watershed. Attendees at these free riverside release events will reintroduce more than 100 native sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw River system (e.g., Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers).

Public release celebrations on Sept. 20 across the Saginaw Bay Watershed include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River, at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat Launch in Midland, hosted by the Chippewa Nature Center. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.

Noon, Shiawassee River, at Cole Park in Chesaning, hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Liz Roxberry at info@shiawasseeriver.org.

2 p.m., Flint River, at Paddlers’ Landings (Mott Park Recreation Area) in Flint, hosted by the Flint River Watershed Coalition. For more information, contact Emily Stetson at estetson@gcparks.org.

2:30 p.m., Cass River, at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Matt Bierlein at mbierlein@frankenmuthcity.com.

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 – including the Saginaw River System – 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. 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.

Many partners have been working since 2017 to bring sturgeon back to the Saginaw River system. Thus far, community members and partners have released close to 7,000 sturgeon into local waters. Partners that support the September 20, 2025 sturgeon release events, including Bay County, City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, MSU 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 and get involved here.

If you have general release event questions, please 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, 989-892-9171

Detroit River Community Forum October 2
2025-10-02 18:30 - 19:30
The Detroit River Public Advisory Council is hosting Community Forums for the public to learn more about the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), past AOC projects, and gather input on what future habitat restoration projects should look like.
The forums will allow the community to ask questions and discuss future visioning for the Detroit River. The goals of the Community Forums are to provide opportunities to openly share community needs, visions, and help collaborate with the public in future restoration efforts.
Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy
8801 Macomb St., Grosse Ile Tpw., MI 48138

Detroit River Community Forum October 15
2025-10-15 17:30 - 18:30
The Detroit River Public Advisory Council is hosting Community Forums for the public to learn more about the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), past AOC projects, and gather input on what future habitat restoration projects should look like.
The forums will allow the community to ask questions and discuss future visioning for the Detroit River. The goals of the Community Forums are to provide opportunities to openly share community needs, visions, and help collaborate with the public in future restoration efforts.
Ecorse Public Library
4184 West Jefferson Avenue, Ecorse, MI, 48229

2025 National Place-Based Education Conference
2025-11-12 00:00 - 2025-11-14 00:00
The agenda for the 2025 National PBE Conference at Eastern Michigan University is full of incredible stories, insights, research, and resources from across the field of place-based education! With 165+ confirmed presenters, representing 35+ states and 3 countries, there’s a relevant pathway through the conference for all. From workshops, to traditional talks, to outdoor experiential learning sessions, to 10-minute Story Spots, this conference is about sharing from the community dedicated to the power of our connections to place and supporting each attendee in their PBE journey!
Our diverse presenter community includes classroom teachers of all grades and subjects, early childhood educators, city council members, authors, school and district administrators, community/state/national organizations and agencies, scholars and researchers, extension educators, and individuals within a wide range of other positions and areas of expertise!

More info

Detroit River Community Forum
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:00

Pesticide Safety Webinar Series: The RUP/CCA CEU Credit Clinic
2025-12-03 10:00 - 14:00
December 3, 2025 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Online

Contact: Safa Alzohairy, Heather Borden, or Emma Schlachter
Join the MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program for a comprehensive virtual learning opportunity designed for Pesticide Applicators, Agricultural Professionals, and Crop Advisers. This webinar series is FREE to attend, but participants who wish to earn Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits or Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Unit (CCA CEU) may do so for a small registration fee. This series offers timely, science-based education on Pesticide Safety, Endangered Species Act Regulations, environmental protection, and best practices in application and equipment use.
All participants must pre-register using this short form:
Webinar Registration
Participants from Michigan who wish to earn RUP credits must fill out this form before the webinar date:
Register for RUP Credits
Participants who wish to earn CCA-CEUs must fill out this form before each webinar from which CCA-CEUs is requested:
Register for CCA-CEUs
Deadline to fill out this form is 11:59PM same date of the webinar sessions.

"Dinosaur Fish" film premiere
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:00
What: Premiere of Dinosaur Fish film (23 minutes) with a Q/A panel
When: December 12, 2025, 7 – 8pm
Where: Delta College Planetarium | 100 Center Avenue, Bay City, MI, United States, Michigan 48708
How: Event is free and open to the public

The Saginaw Bay Sturgeon Restoration Program and its partners have been working since 2017 on a significant project to restore lake sturgeon in the Saginaw Bay system. This follows major partner investments in restoration projects, research, dam removal and education. It has become one of the greatest restoration success stories in decades on the Great Lakes.

Last year, thanks to major support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Bay Area Community Foundation, the sturgeon team began the development of a documentary film that focuses on the effort. The documentary is now complete!

On Friday, December 12 at 7pm, we will premiere the documentary at the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City. This is a free, public event. Here is the Facebook Event Page.

Following the 23-minute film, there will be a panel of folks who participated in the film, as well as sturgeon experts, available to discuss the project and answer questions. Panelists include:

Dr. Jeff Jolley, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Jason Whalen, Fauna Creative (the firm that produced the documentary)
Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant & Michigan State University Extension
Doug Larson, Michigan State University, Black River Sturgeon Facility

Seafood HACCP Training
2025-12-16 - 2025-12-18 | Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga, 16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Michigan 49908, 16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Michigan, 49908
December 16-18, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday)
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga
16449 Michigan Ave.
Baraga, MI 49908
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.
The cost of this event is $148.40 which includes certification and training materials.
Snacks will be provided.
Contact:
Lauren Stigers
Michigan Sea Grant
Extension Educator
(570) 687-6818
jescovit@msu.edu
Registration: events.anr.msu.edu/HACCP25

Aquaculture Challenge info sessions and coach Q&A
2025-12-19 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-01-08 16:00 - 17:00
Aquaculture Challenge info sessions and coach Q&A
Michigan Sea Grant will host two upcoming information sessions for new and returning Aquaculture Challenge coaches. Each session will start with a 10-minute presentation followed by 50 minutes of Q&A for coaches to ask questions. Attendance for the full hour is NOT required, and coaches can drop in any time during the session.

December 19, 2025, 12:30pm eastern / 11:30am central, Zoom link
January 8, 2026, 4pm eastern / 3pm central, Zoom link

The Aquaculture Challenge is a collaboration between the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and is co-chaired by Michigan Sea Grant. This science competition engages students in grades 6-12 from around the Midwest in a four-month venture to:

Build and monitor aquaponics systems
Create business plans
Perform a community outreach project

Registration is now open for the 2026 competition! To register, submit this Google Form by January 14, 2026.

2026 St. Clair Detroit River System – Annual General Meeting
2026-01-21 09:00 - 2026-01-23 12:00
Registration is now open for the 2026 St. Clair Detroit River System – Annual General Meeting series!

MEETING REGISTRATION

We hope you’ll join us to hear from experts, connect with colleagues, and help shape the next phase for the St. Clair Detroit River System Initiative. Learn from regional experts about status updates and priorities on a range of topics related to SCDRS objectives, including:

Fish assessments & habitat
Lake Sturgeon, mudpuppies, and other rare species
Reef restoration monitoring
Nutrient loadings and reduction strategies
Microplastics, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals
St. Clair and Detroit River Areas of Concern

Participants will also have opportunities to provide input on future directions for the SCDRS Initiative.
All three ½-day meeting events will be accessible virtually, but we hope you can make it to one or both in-person (hybrid) sessions as well.

Day 1 (hybrid) – Wednesday January 21, 9:00 am -12:00 pm ET – Dossin Great Lakes Museum – ‘Showcasing Detroit’s role in regional and national maritime history on the shores of Belle Isle’ (it’s a really neat place if you’ve never been!).
Day 2 (hybrid) – Monday January 26, 1:00-4:00 pm ET – Ojibway Nature Centre located within the ‘Ojibway Prairie Complex featuring acres of pin oak forest, savannah and tall grass prairie habitats’. A great place and also the venue for the last SCDRS General Meeting in 2024.
Day 3 – fully virtual – Thursday January 29, 9:00 am -12:00 pm ET

There is no registration fee for this event, but there will be valuable updates, lively discussion, engagement opportunities, friendly faces, and, if you join in person, tasty refreshments!

Sucker Summit
2026-01-30 14:45 - 15:30
January 30th, 2:45-3:25 with Q&A panel to follow
1st Floor Colab Space, Hekman Library, Calvin University
Park in Covenant Fine Arts Center lot or Lots 1-4 west of campus and walk to the library
Join us for a January afternoon conservation conversation about some of Plaster Creek’s coolest native fish! Speakers from Michigan Sea Grant, John Ball Zoo and other local partners will share about suckers, their history and habitat, research on their spawning habits, and how you can get involved in research and restoration efforts. To have fun, we will also have fish-themed snacks, suckers, and a chance to win a prize. We hope you can join the seminar-type learning with Q&A to follow. The meeting space is in the Hekman Library Colab space in the basement of the library, free parking on campus in the Covenant Fine Arts Center lot or Lots 1-4 west of the main campus. Your RSVP is helpful but not necessary.
Facebook Event I’m happy to add you as a co-host if you tell me what FB account to add.
Sign up Genius for RSVP
More info about suckers: https://www.michiganseagrant.org/sucker

2026 Shiver on the River Eco Fair on Belle Isle
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00
Friends of the Detroit River, in partnership with the Detroit Historical Society, Belle Isle Nature Center, and Belle Isle Conservancy, are hosting The 2026 Shiver on the River Eco Fair on Belle Isle on Saturday, February 7.
Learn more about our natural resources from local organizations and enjoy free caricature drawings, a live magic show, s’mores, and more! There are indoor and outdoor activities taking place across Belle Isle between 10am and 4pm.
Admission to all activities is free of charge. Food concessions will be available for cash purchases at the Dossin. A Recreation Passport is required to enter Belle Isle. It’s an annual pass that can be purchased when you renew your vehicle tabs or when entering a state park. For more information, go to michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp. It’s sure to be a day of fun for the whole family!

10am – 2pm Indoor Eco Fair at Great Lakes Dossin Museum (100 The Strand)
11am – 4pm Indoor and Outdoor Eco Fair at Belle Isle Nature Center (176 Lakeside Dr.)

HABs 101 Webinar: The Power of Plants (Zoom)
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30
In previous “HABs 101” webinars, we learned about the basics of harmful algal blooms, the value of algae in aquatic ecosystems, and heard from Michiganders who are tackling HABs in their inland lakes.

In March, we will look at The Power of Plants and discuss how to use plants to reduce nutrients and help prevent algal blooms. Hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners around the state.Want to dive deeper into HABs? Find a collection of resources on Michigan Sea Grant’s website.

Register

Contact: Erica Clites, clitese1@msu.edu
AGENDA
6:00 pm: Erica Clites, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, Introduction
6:05 pm: Erick Elgin, MSU Extension, Benefits of native plants in lakes
6:25 pm: Eric Calabro, EGLE, Building a natural shoreline
6:45 pm: Susan Bryan, Washtenaw County, Rain gardens and other features to reduce runoff
7:25 pm: Erica Clites, Wrap-up and applicator credits

Michigan Birding 101: Spring 2026 (Zoom)
2026-03-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:00
4 FREE Sessions in March!
March 17, 19, 24 and 26, 7-8 p.m. ET

Location: Zoom Webinar
(link sent after completion of registration)

Explore the wonderful hobby of birding in fun online classes!
Topics include everything a new birdwatcher should know:

Schedule:
March 17 – Introduction to Birding and Equipment
March 19 – Backyard Birding and Feeding
March 24 – Conserve the Birds: Birding Ethics and Backyard Habitats
March 26 – Birding in Michigan: Where to Go and What to See

COST: FREE

This is a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!

Register
Contact: Elliot Nelson at elliotne@msu.edu or (906) 322-0353.

2026 Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-08
Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit
Co-Hosted by Michigan State University and the University of Michigan
April 6-8, 2026 | Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing, MI
Join a powerful gathering that celebrates Indigenous food systems, cultural resilience, and community-driven solutions for food sovereignty. This conference brings together Tribal leaders, farmers, youth, scholars, and advocates to share knowledge, build relationships, and inspire action.
Conference Objectives

Knowledge Sharing: Share food sovereignty initiatives and traditional foodways to inspire learning, exchange lessons, and strengthen community health and resilience.
Vision & Self-Determination: Collectively define the future of Indigenous food sovereignty in the Great Lakes region, grounded in tribal leadership and long-term self-determination.
Skill Building & Collaboration: Equip participants with practical skills and highlight collaborative efforts that unite communities, build capacity, and support sustainable, just food systems.

What to Expect:

Keynote Speakers from Indigenous communities leading food sovereignty efforts
Workshops on traditional food and harvesting practices, seed saving, land stewardship, and policy advocacy
Participant conversations and intergenerational storytelling
Local Indigenous Vendors
Cultural Performances and ceremonies honoring the land and its people

Interested in submitting a proposal for the summit? Review the call for Stories and Narratives here.
Why It Matters:
Food sovereignty is more than access: it’s about reclaiming ancestral knowledge, protecting sacred relationships with the land, and ensuring that future generations thrive. This conference is a space to uplift Indigenous voices and build pathways toward sustainable, self-determined food systems.
This event isn’t possible without generous support from organizations like yours. If you are interested in sponsoring, please review our Sponsorship Opportunities.
Registration
Registration is now open!
Funding is available to help cover registration costs for members of tribal communities. If you are a tribal partner and would like to request a discount code, please email events@anr.msu.edu.

Fisheries Workshop Lake St. Clair & Lake Erie
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00
April 9, 2026, 6-8 p.m. ET
Macomb County Extension office
Macomb County Extension office or online via Zoom
Michigan Sea Grant hosts fishery workshops to provide recreational anglers, commercial fishers, charter operators, agency staff, and researchers with a forum to share and discuss Great Lakes fishery management. While each workshop is different, agendas often cover fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore and open water fisheries, fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and more.
This event is free, but registration is required. Please indicate if you will be attending in person or via Zoom.

Registration

Agenda:

Back to basics: DNR Fish Regulations — Cleyo Harris (MDNR)
Status of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair fishery – Andrew Briggs (MDNR)
Impact of year-round catch and release on smallmouth bass — Jan-Michael Hessenauer (MDNR)
Ford Cove habitat restoration project — Scott Dierks (GEI Consultants)
Update on muck in Lake St. Clair – Kevin Goodwin and Josh Tellier (EGLE)

Fisheries Workshops Lake Michigan: Ludington
2026-04-13 18:00 - 20:00
Lake Michigan: Ludington
April 13, 2026, 6-8 p.m. ET
West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd. Scottville, MI 49454
(In-person and online via Zoom)
Registration
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.
Agenda
5:30 pm
Refreshments and Registration
6:00 pm
Welcome and Sea Grant Update: Dan O’Keefe – Southwest District Extension Educator, Michigan Sea Grant
6:10 pm
Fishing License Fee Proposals and the Michigan Anglers Consortium: Capt. Mark Williams, Silver Addiction Charters
6:30 pm
Fishery-Independent Data on Chinook Salmon from the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant: Jake Downey, Student, University of Michigan
6:50 pm
Lake Michigan Predator-Prey Ratio: Chinook Salmon and Alewife Dynamics: Ben Turschak – Fisheries Research Biologist Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
7:10 pm
DNR Management Updates: Jay Wesley – Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
7:30 pm
Invasive Mussels in the Great Lakes: Status, Impacts, and the Long Road to Control: Ashley Elgin – Research Ecologist, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, NOAA
8:00 pm
Adjourn

Fisheries Workshops Lake Huron: Open Water
2026-04-14 18:00 - 20:00
Lake Huron: Open Water
Date: April 14, 2026, 6-8 p.m. ET
(Online via Zoom only)
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 are holding the Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop – Open Water Session. Participants can attend online via Zoom.
This workshop offers current research and information related to the status of the Lake Huron fisheries. We look forward to hosting your questions!
Registration for this event is free, but you must register by Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
In addition to receiving a confirmation email directly following this registration process, a link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to all virtual registrants on the morning of April 14.

Registration

Workshop Agenda:
Welcome and Introductions
Brandon Schroeder and Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant
Lake Huron Offshore Catch & Creel Fishery Updates
Chris Kemp, DNR Fisheries Research
Prey Fish Survey
Tim O’Brien, USGS Great Lakes Science Center
Sea Lamprey Management Program
Nick Johnson, USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station
Mi Fresh Fish: Michigan Commercial Fisheries Overview
Lauren Stigers, Michigan Sea Grant
Fisheries Management Updates & Discussion
Doug Schultz, Tim Cwalinski and Jeff Jolley, DNR Fisheries Management

Fish Stocking Updates
Management updates
Question and answer discussion

Adjourn

Fisheries Workshops Lake Michigan: South Haven
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
Lake Michigan: South Haven
April 16, 2026, 7–9pm ET
South Haven Moose Lodge, 1025 Wells St., South Haven, MI 49090
(In-person only, no registration required)

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.
Agenda: TBD
