ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment (SNRE) announces its partnership with the Michigan Sea Grant College Program and the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER). This new relationship complements the University’s commitment to make Great Lakes research a central part of the academic mission. “As a major research institution in a state that borders four of the Great Lakes, it is incumbent upon the University of Michigan to take a leadership role in research, education and public service to protect the Great Lakes and the natural and economic resources that these bodies of water provide to the nation. The transfer of Michigan Sea Grant and CILER to SNRE is a major step in that direction,” says Fawwaz T. Ulaby, vice president for research at the University of Michigan. “The staff of Michigan Sea Grant is very excited to be affiliated with the School of Natural Resources and the Environment,” said George Carignan, interim director of the Sea Grant program. “We have worked closely with SNRE faculty for many years and formalizing this relationship will facilitate our common endeavor in Great Lakes research and education.” Michigan Sea Grant and CILER, in collaboration with many universities, colleges and the state of Michigan, bring in more than $4 million annually to support research, education and outreach related to the Great Lakes and aquatic resources. “Our new position within SNRE and the University’s overall commitment to the Great Lakes will allow CILER to establish a much stronger connection to the faculty and students and to more diligently pursue collaborations pertaining to our five research themes,” said Thomas Johengen, director of CILER. CILER’s five research areas include: climate and large-lake dynamics; coastal and nearshore processes; large-lake ecosystem structure and function; remote sensing of large-lake and coastal ocean dynamics; and marine environmental engineering. Michigan Sea Grant and CILER support the education of students through internships, research assistantships and fellowships, including the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, which provides unique opportunities for outstanding graduate students interested in marine or Great Lakes policy to spend one year in Washington, D.C. learning and honing the skills needed for active leadership. GLEP, the award-winning Great Lakes Education Program for fourth-graders is another Sea Grant program, generated through the collaboration between K-12 educators and Michigan Sea Grant. For over a decade, more than 20,000 students and teachers in Michigan have learned about the Great Lakes and their role in protecting this freshwater ecosystem through GLEP’s hands-on activities. Field agents, located in coastal communities around the state, are the linchpin of Michigan Sea Grant’s outreach program and have been instrumental in many economic development and resource management activities, such as the development of shoreline boardwalks in Grand Haven, Manistique, Tawas and other Michigan coastal communities. Michigan Sea Grant agents also worked with commercial and sport fishermen in the development of the Know your Nets web site and brochure and continue to lead the effort in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training throughout the Great Lakes basin. HACCP plans, identifies and controls potential hazards throughout food processing, from receiving ingredients to distribution and use. Michigan Sea Grant agents serve as significant information resource liaisons between coastal resource users and the academic research community, continuing to lead the effort in controlling the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Educational materials developed by Michigan Sea Grant have helped educate hundreds of thousands of citizens throughout the Great Lakes basin about zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species. CILER brings additional partnerships and resources by facilitating cooperative scientific investigation between University faculty and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists. CILER’s research programs also provide expanded opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to participate in large-scale, multi-disciplinary research programs on the Great Lakes. CILER has conducted research on climate and large lake dynamics in conjunction with U-M and MSU faculty, NOAA and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. The partnership of CILER, Michigan Sea Grant and SNRE will enhance the ability of all partners to develop new multi-disciplinary research programs with federal partners and academic institution. “SNRE, Sea Grant and CILER provide a host of resources and information that well address the emerging Great Lakes environmental issues,” said Rosina Bierbaum, dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment. “Historically, each group focused on research, sustainability and education within its own organizational framework. However, as a combined entity, our collective strength and experience offers opportunities to launch innovative collaborations, securing the University of Michigan’s position as a leader in Great Lakes affairs.” Michigan Sea Grant, a partnership between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, is part of the National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 30 university-based programs across the U.S., funded by NOAA, see www.miseagrant.umich.edu. CILER is a joint endeavor of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, see www.ciler.org. The University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment supports the protection of the earth’s resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. Faculty and students strive to generate knowledge, develop innovative policies and refine new techniques through research and education, see www.snre.umich.edu.

www.miseagrant.umich.edu.www.ciler.orgwww.snre.umich.edu