U.S. Geological Survey Grant: Enhancing Great Lakes Coastal Resilience

The U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, requires a cooperative agreement with the Great Lakes Commission for joint work to develop the Great Lakes Phragmites Initiative, the Invasive Mussel Collaborative, the Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Collaboratory, and a Great Lakes coastal science and management strategy.

Wetland invasion by the non-native Phragmites australis (common reed) is a significant threat recognized by the public, NGOs, and governmental agencies at all levels. Similarly, invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic damage as they spread from the Great Lakes across North America. The coastal ecosystems that these and other non-native organisms are invading are vitally important biologically, economically, and socially. Despite this importance, these ecosystems have received relatively little scientific attention over the years and continue to be degraded.  Therefore, the GLSC and the GLC have the following joint project objectives: 1) To develop the “Great Lakes Phragmites Initiative” that develops a regional collaborative that facilitates regional communication to link people, information, and action and advances research and management of non-native Phragmites through adaptive management; 2) To develop the “Invasive Mussel Collaborative” that facilitates robust science, communication, and an Integrated Pest Management Approach for invasive mussels; 3) To develop the Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Collaboratory that develops a collective laboratory to facilitate information sharing among scientists and decisions makers working on HABs in the Great Lakes; and 4) To support a developing science strategy for USGS and partner agencies that reflects priorities across basin management agencies.