The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to bolster Great Lakes fishery research and management efforts.
The Great Lakes Fisheries Research Reauthorization Act would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center for another five years, helping to ensure that they are able to continue conducting critical research that supports Great Lakes fisheries.
This bipartisan bill, which now moves to the House of Representatives, comes amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to drastically reduce staffing at the Great Lakes Science Center.
“The Great Lakes Science Center helps protect the freshwater fisheries and habitats that are invaluable economic and ecological assets for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region,” said Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to slash staffing at the Center is outrageous and recklessly endangers the health of our Great Lakes. I’ll keep fighting to support the Center and see this bill become law.”
Peters introduced the legislation with U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH). Activities carried out by the Great Lakes Science Center include:
- Conducting surveys of both native and invasive fish populations in the Great Lakes. This data helps USGS, along with tribal, state, and local partners, to develop effective strategies for protecting and managing fisheries.
- Development of reintroduction plans for culturally and ecologically significant fish populations, which are essential for the long-term health of the Great Lakes.
- Testing and development of technologies that assist in research.
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