VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 1 | MARCH 2012

UpwellingsWho We Are, What We Do

UpwellingsVolume 35 | Number 1 | March 2012

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Upwellings

Michigan Sea Grant is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Michigan.Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are equal opportunity/affirmative action institutions.MICHU-12-800

An upwelling occurs in a lake or ocean when strong, steady winds push warm in-shore surface water away from shore causing colder, nutrient-rich water to rise.

Upwellings is published quarterly by the Michigan Sea Grant College Program, a cooperative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The program supports understanding and stewardship of the Great Lakes through research, outreach and education.

Editorial correspondence regarding Upwellings are welcome. For a subscription, call (734) 764-1118 or visit the Upwellings website: www.miseagrant.umich.edu. When reprinting material, please give credit to “Upwellings, produced by Michigan Sea Grant” and send a copy to:

Upwellings Michigan Sea Grant College Program 520 East Liberty St., Suite 310 Ann Arbor, MI 48104

MANAGEMENT TEAMDirector: Jim Diana (734) 763-5834, jimd@umich.eduAssociate Director: William Taylor (517) 353-0647, taylorw@msu.eduActing Director: Jennifer Read (734) 936-3622, jenread@umich.eduState Extension Coordinator: Chuck Pistis (616) 458-6805, pistis@msu.eduCommunications Director: Elizabeth LaPorte (734) 647-0767, elzblap@umich.edu

STAFFStephanie Ariganello, Communications Coordinator (734) 615-0400, stephaa@umich.eduMary Bohling, Southeast Urban Extension (313) 833-3275, bohling@msu.eduMark Breederland, Northwest Extension (231) 922-4628, breederl@msu.eduSandra Enness, Communications Manager (517) 353-9723, enness@msu.eduLaura Welsh Florence, Education Specialist (734)647-9730, lwelsh@umich.eduLaura Holladay, Climate Specialist (734) 647-6228, hollad@umich.eduSonia Joseph Joshi, Regional Extension (734) 741-2283, Sonia.Joseph@noaa.gov Ron Kinnunen, Upper Peninsula (906) 226-3687, kinnune1@msu.edu Elyse Larsen, Fiscal Officer (734) 763-1438, elarsen@umich.eduTodd Marsee, Senior Graphic Artist (734) 764-2421, marsee@umich.edu Dan O’Keefe, Southwest Extension (616) 846-8250, okeefed@mail.msu.eduAmy Samples, Community Outreach Coordinator (734) 647-0766, asamples@umich.eduBrandon Schroeder, Northeast Extension (989) 984-1056, schroe45@msu.edu Steve Stewart, Southeast Extension (586) 469-7431, stew@msu.eduRochelle Sturtevant, Regional Extension (734) 741-2287, Rochelle.Sturtevant@noaa.govLynn Vaccaro, Coastal Research Specialist (734) 763-1530, lvaccaro@umich.eduJessica Vera, Accounting Clerk Intermediate (734) 763-1437, jessvera@umich.edu

Sea Grant is an organization that connects people to the Great Lakes. Although many of us lead workshops, meetings and collaborative projects, Sea Grant staff also work behind-the-scenes. Our interaction with others can take the form of developing key partnerships, including with researchers, to address “wicked problems” or working one-on-one developing outreach about Great Lakes resources. We also connect electronically by distributing web-based curriculum that is taught in classrooms across the region.

Our partners are the key to the work we do, but we wouldn’t be able to make those connections if it weren’t for our knowledgeable and diverse staff. This issue of Upwellings highlights the people who comprise Michigan Sea Grant. How is this relevant to you? While you may have interacted with one or two of us, we want to ensure we’re serving you the best that we can. One method is to point out how our people and programs promote

EDITORIAL: THE MANY FACES OF MICHIGAN SEA GRANT

better understanding, conservation and use of Michigan’s coastal resources.

Another reason we’re turning the camera on ourselves is to show who we are, summarize our skills and interests, and clarify how you can reach us. So, if you see Mary Bohling or other exten-sion educators at an event or spot Todd Marsee, our graphic designer, taking pictures in your neck of the woods, be sure to say hello.

We often discuss the fact that Great Lakes resources belong to everyone. It’s important for all of us to be engaged, to learn, and to understand the issues in order to make better, science-based decisions. And we hope to enlist your help in keeping a watchful eye on the Great Lakes. We’re interested in connecting with you.

— Jennifer Read, Ph.D. Acting Director

We’re often asked about the work Michigan Sea Grant does. I think that question is best answered by explaining who we are.

Top: Sea Grant extension educators Steve Stewart and Mary Bohling with partners at the Lake St. Clair water trail kick-off.Below: Michigan Sea Grant at the annual staff meeting.

3www.miseagrant.umich.eduMICHIGAN SEA GRANT

Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, and is a part of the National Sea Grant College Program. National Sea Grant is comprised of a network of 32 university-based Sea Grant programs in coastal states across the country. Sea Grant is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Federal funds are matched with funds from state, tribal, business and other sources to carry out programs.

Learn more about the Michigan Sea Grant team. See staff profiles: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/contact

Our programs promote better understanding, conservation and use of Michigan’s coastal resources. Michigan Sea Grant funds research, education and outreach programs designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant also facilitates access to science-based information about Michigan’s coasts and the Great Lakes through the work of our extension educators and communications specialists. At the heart of the program are the dedicated staff members who carry out our mission.

Q & AWe asked each member of the management team and staff about what makes Sea Grant unique, what challenges we face and how partnerships help us carry out the mission:

n What is the most unique, valuable or crucial service MSG performs?n What is the most challenging part of your work?n What are some of the key partnerships you have made? Why are they key?

Let’s meet the team!

THEATER CURTAIN PHOTOS: WEATHERBOX, DJNORWAY

MICHIGAN SEA GRANT:

Who We Are, What We DoThe Michigan Sea Grant mission is to support research, outreach and education to enhance the sustainable use of Great Lakes resources. The over-arching goal is to benefit the Michigan, Great Lakes and national economy, the environment, and the quality of life in the region. Our vision is for a healthy and sustainable Great Lakes resource. How do we accomplish this?

HELLOmy name is

Michigan Sea Grant

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HELLOmy name is

HELLOmy name is

Jennifer Read, Ph.D.

Jim Diana, Ph.D.

Assistant Director Acting Director until June 2012

Program Director

HELLOmy name is

Bill Taylor, Ph.D.Associate Director

Location: U-M Ann Arbor Service: 10 years, began September 2001

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? By far our most important activities revolve around helping communities and individuals realize their aspirations for their communities and businesses — supporting vibrant coastal communities that are resilient and sustain-able through time.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? One of the bigger challenges is to see the many opportunities out there that support coastal communities and resource managers — but because we have limited resources — we have to make decisions about where best to place those resources.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? That’s a tough one because we have so many different types of partnerships. We have partners who help implement programs, partners who provide resources for us to do the work, partners who spread the word about all the good work we’re doing and [who] help us secure more operational funding. I can’t say that any of these are more important than others because they’re all necessary to us moving forward in the future.

Location: U-M Ann Arbor Current Location: Hawaii, on sabbatical until June 2012Service: 3 years, began March 2009

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Interaction with coastal stakeholders is important. Through our communication and extension activities, we are able to bring science to coastal communities and, based on those interactions, we are also able to bring reality into central Sea Grant functions. Our work is clearly applied to solving problems for coastal areas and communities, and the interaction with citizens is the most important way to identify and help solve those problems.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? It is probably the slow rate of progress on issues of importance. I took on the development of aquaculture as a major initiative for MSG, and have written a number of proposals and developed plans to try to help it develop here. In spite of two years of hard effort, I really do not see any change occurring yet. The pace is challenging, however, I am not giving up.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? My key partnerships have been with the boating industry through the Clean Marina Program (CMP), a number of coastal communities through our Lake Huron integrated assessment, and through invita-tions by Sea Grant extension educators. The CMP partnerships are key because boating is a major recreational and commercial enterprise for the state, and understanding the challenges and needs of the boating community is important to maintain-ing a vibrant industry and economy. Similarly, interactions with a number of representatives from coastal communities have brought me a better understanding of their desires for the future and current challenges.

Location: MSU East LansingService: 17 years, began 1995

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Funding relevant research is the hallmark of Sea Grant science. Sea Grant has been extremely successful in attracting some of the best researchers and students in Michigan to address critical issues. Communicating the fact that science is a dynamic process and describing the efforts of scientists who study issues for 10, 20 years or more is one of the ways that Sea Grant outreach and education help extend research.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? I enjoy being busy, working with students, other scientists, stakeholders and organizations. Currently, there are 12 students working in my lab. Last fall, I traveled with a doctoral student to Austria to present research about the increasing surface water temperatures and the impact of climate change on commercial fishing in the Great Lakes. Finding student support can be a significant challenge.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? My areas of interest include fisheries ecology and management, as well as fisheries policy and governance locally and globally. I’ve had many opportunities to develop deep and lasting partnerships. The complete list is too long to mention here but includes organizations such as the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, the North-Central Regional Aquaculture Center and the MSU Depart-ment of Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as the American Fisheries Society, MDEQ (including the Office of the Great Lakes), MDNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others.

MANAGEMENT TEAMThe five-person management team sets policy that guides day-to-day operational decisions at Michigan Sea Grant. The team is made up of representatives from the University of Michigan, including the director, assistant director and communications/education services director; and from Michigan State Univer-sity, including the associate director and extension program leader. The Michigan Sea Grant management team receives guidance from the National Sea Grant Program office, the advisory committee and executive committee, Sea Grant constituents and staff.

5www.miseagrant.umich.eduMICHIGAN SEA GRANT

HELLOmy name is

Elizabeth LaPorteCommunications and Education Services Director

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 11 years, began February 2001

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Providing science-based information. We excel at providing educational resources about the use and conservation of Michigan’s coasts and Great Lakes. This includes publica-tions, exhibits, workshops, curriculum and a variety of web-based resources.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Reporting all of the MSG partnerships, activities, accomplishments and impacts — this is crucial information for us to convey to NOAA National Sea Grant, our partners and others. Sea Grant programs and initiatives are strategic in that they address key issues identified by our stakeholders, advisory committee and Sea Grant management and staff.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Partners include the boating industry, state and federal government agencies, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, educators, university researchers and outreach professionals, business leaders and Great Lakes stakeholders. Our partnerships are key in sharing resources and information and collaborating on common objectives. We’re able to leverage our resources by partnering with others. Partnerships are part of our fabric, part of our standard operating procedure.

HELLOmy name is

Chuck Pistis

State Coordinator of MSG Extension Program

Location: MSU East Lansing Office and MSG Field Office, Grand HavenService: 34 years, began September 1977

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? The most important thing is that we call attention to Great Lakes and coastal issues. We elevate those issues to a higher stature, so that they are important to everyone and not just those directly impacted by them. We educate and inform on many different levels so that everyone knows about Great Lakes issues. Once someone is aware of the concerns, it is only natural for them to feel invested and to participate, whether it is to find more information or take action. When it comes to public concern, advocacy and decision-making, the stature of the Great Lakes is much higher today than ever before.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? The most challenging part is to take people with completely opposite views related to a particular issue and help them find common ground.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Our key partnerships are those that represent the different interests of the Great Lakes. For example, we have sport fishers, tribal and commercial operators, charter captains and others. They’re key because without any one of them, there would be a gap. Before, those groups did not interact real well. With the work that we’ve done, we have been able to help them communicate and understand that we all have common interests in the Great Lakes and that those partnerships can translate into better management. Early in my career I worked closely with Michigan charter boat industry and many individual captains. I personally staked some ground early on in my career with the charter fishing industry. In a way, we grew up together, and I really value that.

HELLOmy name is

Elyse Larsen

Fiscal Officer

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 10.5 years – unbelievable! Began July 2001

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Michigan Sea Grant always seeks out fresh insights and new perspectives that help the organization and stakeholders to stay on the leading edge of Great Lakes science, education and com-munications.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT MSG? The best part of my job has been both a pleasure and a privilege to work at a world-class university like the University of Michigan and with a first-class group of people like the MSG staff. Also, working with the Sea Grant fiscal officers group (made up of representatives from across the national program) has been a great highlight.

ADMINISTRATIVEThe administrative staff of Michigan Sea Grant ensures our program runs seamlessly. U-M and MSU administrative staff oversee financial operations, including grant submissions and reporting, coordinate programs and events, and essentially make sure the MSG team has the resources needed to carry out our mission.

HELLOmy name is

Pam BaileySenior Secretary,

Extension

Location: MSU East LansingService: 20 years, began March 1992

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? I would say that the most unique thing is the partnership

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HELLOmy name is

Laura Holladay

Climate Specialist (in partnership with Great Lakes Integrated

Sciences and Assessments Center)

HELLOmy name is

Lynn VaccaroCoastal Research Specialist

Location: U-M Ann Arbor Service: began January 2012

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? I think that Michigan Sea Grant has a lot to be proud of in our education and outreach programming. Whether we are sharing Great Lakes teaching tools with educators, helping marina operators become stewards of our waters, or educating the general public about invasive species, our staff are always working to find informative and engaging ways to connect people with the Great Lakes. The project that I am working on right now involves taking the latest research on climate change adaptation in the Great Lakes and developing outreach tools to bring that information to people who can use it.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT MSG? The most exciting challenge for me so far has been just getting to know the wealth of resources and connections that are already out there regarding climate in the Great

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 3 years full-time, began working for MSG as a work-study student in September 2005, but full-time as a regular employee since May 2009

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? I think the education component of Michigan Sea Grant is pretty unique. Not many programs offer free teacher training courses — and often times free materials — for educators. Also, it’s a nice component and good incentive for educators when Sea Grant offers stipends for travel, teacher education, etc.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT MSG? The best part is when I get to coordinate and plan events and meet all kinds of people from different organizations within and outside of Michigan. I remember at our Sea Grant retreat in Grand Haven a couple years back, we got to meet our program officer at the time, Miguel Lugo. It was nice to put a face to a name and to connect with someone from the national office. It was also refreshing to meet someone who shared the same cultural back-ground as me.

HELLOmy name is

Jessica Vera

Accounting Clerk

between the two universities. Each school complements the other with, in general, the research and administrative part at the U of M and the extension education and outreach part at MSU.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT MSG? The best part of my job is working with such a dedicated group of Sea Grant educators who truly love what they do. The enthusiasm for their work is so contagious. And it amazes me that they never run out of good ideas to do more and more wonderful programs for their stakeholders. It is a true pleasure to be part of this team.

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 3 years, began November 2008

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? It’s our research extension work. We have time to really talk to people and understand their needs and identify resources — including people, information and scientific tools — that can improve their work. We help connect research (and researchers) with people who can apply the information.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Personally, it’s challenging to be both broad and deep in terms of the topics and partners we work with at MSG. Much as I want to dive deeply into each research project we fund, I don’t have the time to dedicate to any single topic. Also, one of the more challenging parts of our work is to connect the disparate worlds of research and “information users.” The research

RESEARCH AND OUTREACHThe Michigan Sea Grant research and outreach team helps support Great Lakes research efforts that study an array of issues affecting the Great Lakes and Michigan’s coastal areas. Research projects focus on complex environmental chal-lenges, anticipating and meeting changing needs of stakeholders and decision-makers. The goal of the MSG research program is to provide science-based information for real-life situations. Outreach and collaboration are essential components of each research project. With long-standing community relationships, Sea Grant specialists help researchers connect with community leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders.

Management: Jennifer Read, Acting Director/Assistant Director

Lakes. It is a very timely topic, and it seems like just in the last few years we have seen a great increase in both research and outreach efforts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? With so many important people and organizations work-ing hard on these issues, I hesitate to list partners for fear that I will leave some out! But I certainly cannot talk about the work that I am doing without mentioning MSG’s partnership with GLISA, the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Cen-ter. GLISA works to connect the research of leading Great Lakes climate scientists with people who work in agriculture, water management, and natural resource-based tourism. It is proving extremely helpful for me to have that direct link to the latest climate science, and this collaboration between MSG and GLISA is sure to result in some invigorating educational materials and outreach strategies.

PAM BAILEY CONTINUED

7www.miseagrant.umich.eduMICHIGAN SEA GRANT

OUTREACH - EXTENSIONMichigan Sea Grant Extension Educators are community liaisons located in six key coastal areas around the state. Extension educators provide technical assistance to residents, businesses, resource management agencies and coastal communities. They provide technical advice to those who manage Great Lakes resources, create sustainable coastal businesses and strive to understand Great Lakes ecosystems. The educators live and work in the communities that they support, which allows them to understand local and regional concerns in a unique way.

Management: Chuck Pistis, State Extension Director

HELLOmy name is

Mary Bohling

Urban Southeast Michigan Extension Educator

HELLOmy name is

Mark BreederlandNorthwest Michigan Extension Educator

Location: MSG Field Office, Lincoln ParkService: 5.5 years, began June 2006

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? The most valuable thing is that we bring together partners who may not know they have things in com-mon. We’re good at making those introduc-tions and helping people collaborate.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? The most challenging thing is getting people, community leaders and other constituents to think more regionally.

process, including our funding cycle, operates at a much slower pace than people hoping to use the results might anticipate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? The most important partners for me are researchers. We’ve been trying to broaden the type of researchers we work with in order to include more social scientists. On the other side of the partner coin are the state and local decision-makers who can hopefully use our research results.

Location: MSG Field Office, Traverse City Service: 17 years, began early 1995

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Sea Grant’s strength is that it functions in a non-regulatory role, providing research-based information on the Great Lakes to numerous communities and users of these freshwater seas. I still like the old “science serving America’s coasts” phrase, which was the theme from the National Sea Grant office a few years ago.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? I’m not sure if this is the most chal-lenging thing, but I’ve had some interesting days. One day I needed to perform fieldwork on benthic insect identification in Lake St. Clair, and I was in my waders all morning; then I quickly changed into my best suit and tie for a key meeting on riverfront issues with the Detroit Mayor’s office in the afternoon. As an extension educator, sometimes you need to flex with the schedule — and often carry a variety of gear and information in your car.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? I think this is an area where the Sea Grant program shines, as I’ve found people really do care about the coast and the Great Lakes. When I worked in southeast Michigan, I found great pleasure in working with private sector corporations who usually own large amounts of shoreline. On the Detroit Riverfront, I was able to work very closely with longtime conservationist and corporate leader Peter W. Stroh. The now existing and continually expanding Detroit River Walk is tangible evidence of what the partnerships created.

In Northwest Michigan, I’ve worked with citizen lakeshore groups, the National Park Service, Michigan DNR wildlife and law divisions, community colleges, watershed groups and others in new ways as we’ve tried to understand and respond to avian botulism outbreaks which have killed thousands of migrating waterfowl. No one of these groups or agencies have all the needed pieces in complex puzzles such as these, but often Sea Grant has had a role in up-front leadership or more often, providing key leadership from behind in various coastal issues.

Everybody is concerned with what happens within their communities, but we have to get them to see how that fits in with the rest of the region. Once they make that realization and see the value in leveraging money, effort and talent, there is a ton of support for regional efforts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Key partners are political leaders, state agencies, coastal businesses and environmental NGO’s. These partnerships are critical to protecting, restoring and enjoying the Great Lakes. Without support and technical expertise many projects would not be possible or would be much more difficult to ac-complish. Whether creating water trails, softening shorelines or building fisheries habitat, these partnerships are the key to success. There is truth in the saying “many hands make light work”.

Location: MSG Field Office, MarquetteService: 30 years, began November 1981

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? I think what we do best is deal with the clientele that derive their livelihood from the Great Lakes and help them with their needs. For example, we offer training, workshops, information — a bunch of things that address some of the problems they encounter every day. That, and we follow up. We are in the communities, and we are here to stay. We don’t just go away at the end of an initiative. That is our strength.

HELLOmy name is

Ron Kinnunen, Ph.D.

Upper Peninsula Extension Educator

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WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Sorting through all of the red tape. Sometimes issues are political or the science is confliction and the clientele are the ones that end up getting hurt. We represent all of the user groups of the Great Lakes and that inherently has conflict.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? I would say that our clientele is a key partnership, and then the associations. Whether it is the Michigan Fish Producers Association or the Michigan Aquaculture Association, or some of the many other associations, they represent the industry as a whole so that is our inroad to work with all different kinds of people. Our partnerships run through everything: agencies, tribal organizations, fisher groups, individual businesses, private organizations, you name it. What is key is that we have established trusted relation-ships over the years.

Location: MSG Field Office, West OliveService: Almost 5 years, began June 2007

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? That is a difficult question to answer because we are involved in such a diverse range of projects. In fact, our most valuable trait may be our ability to fit into a diversity of projects relevant to coastal stakeholders.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? It can be difficult to convey the nuances of scientific findings in a way that is relevant and accessible to a variety of audiences. This is especially true when dealing with controversial issues that affect the Great Lakes.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? I think we have a tremendous fishery in the Great Lakes, and all things considered, a pretty good relationship among the anglers, tribes, special interest groups and natural resource agencies. Michigan Sea Grant is a part of

HELLOmy name is

Brandon SchroederNortheast Michigan Extension Educator

Location: MSG field office, Tawas CityService: 8 years, began January 2004

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Fostering partner-ships! We help make connections that might not otherwise be made. For example, connecting fisheries businesses with coastal tourism and economic development partners, or pairing school educators with Great Lakes researchers and community development partners. Our roles offer an opportunity to serve as a catalyst.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Geography and the diversity of issues in which we engage. Extension educators each cover huge Great Lakes coastline districts (Michigan having nearly 3,921 miles of coastal Great Lakes shoreline!). I serve seven northeast Michigan counties in covering my “local” district, but this alone reflects a huge, rural geography with about 300 miles along the main coastal road on Lake Huron. The sheer size of turf multiplied by the wide array of coastal topics and partners can sometimes be challenging.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Coastal Tourism partnerships, particularly through our NEMIA (Northeast Michigan Integrated Assessment) efforts and the Discover Northeast Michigan website, have helped bring together coastal tourism business operators with resource manage-ment, economic development and coastal tourism partners. In our fisheries work, a key partnership is that between research and management agencies with fisheries stakeholders and citizens. One of the

Location: MSG Field Office, Clinton TownshipService: 34 years, began October 1977

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? We function as a credible, unbiased source of information and expertise that links Michigan commu-nities and constituencies to Great Lakes-related resources from universities, agencies, businesses, managers and tribes. This allows opportunities to be more effectively realized and challenges overcome.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Strategically, the challenge has been to figure out how best to meet the needs of Michigan’s coastal communities and constituencies when the scope in terms of geography, variety of opportunities and needs is huge and the resources (human and fiscal) are modest. Also, since most Michigan residents don’t consider themselves to be “coastal” residents — even though the entire state is in the Great Lakes watershed — there is not universal recogni-tion of our shared Great Lakes stewardship responsibility.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? There is a whole host of people and organizations that work with us, and without them, we would not have the reach or effectiveness that we do. When we collaborate, one plus one often equals three. Not only do we get value in the staff time and ideas that partners provide, but their contributions can also assist in securing outside funding, which is a tremendous bonus.

HELLOmy name is

Steve Stewart

Southeast Michigan Senior Extension Educator and

Education Program Co-leader

most exciting partnerships has been the growth of our regional Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative — a collaborative place-based education network of schools and community partners working together to engage youth through learning in community development and resource stewardship opportunities.

that, and our role has been a good one. It is important for all of these groups to have an open dialogue and that is something we’ve helped develop over the years.

RON KINNUNEN CONTINUED

Southwest Michigan Extension Education

Dan O Keefe, Ph.D.

HELLOmy name is

9www.miseagrant.umich.eduMICHIGAN SEA GRANT

REGIONAL OUTREACHIn addition to placing extension educators in our coastal communities, Michigan Sea Grant is fortunate to be able to host two regional educa-tors in our program. These regional educators are housed at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor, and their role is to extend the research generated at the lab and by research partners at regional universities to coastal communities across the Great Lakes through the efforts of all the Great Lakes Sea Grant programs.

HELLOmy name is

Sonia Joseph Joshi

Regional Extension Educator and

Outreach Coordinator, Center of Excellence

for Great Lakes and Human Health

Location: Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, Ann ArborService: A little over 6 years, began November 2005

HELLOmy name is

Sandra EnnessExtension

Communications Manager

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Among the many things that MSG does, the most unique and valuable is providing a presence in local communities. MSG assists local residents and stakeholder groups in addressing coastal problems that may be affecting their livelihoods. The MSG way of educating Michigan residents and connecting them to coastal and Great Lakes issues also helps build stewardship of our valuable resources.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Perhaps the largest challenge is connecting water quality and water

Location: MSU Extension East LansingService: Just over 1 year, began January 2011

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? The economic and business climate in Michigan is still on the mend and moving in a positive direction. I think Michigan Sea Grant contributes to the recovery process through our extension interactions with municipalities and businesses in the state’s coastal communities.

Our extension educators are present in these counties, often helping community and business leaders envision opportunities for economic growth within a sustainable natural resources context.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Acronyms. Every organization has its own language and terminology that usually includes a number of acronyms, and it takes a while to get a handle on most of them.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED – RANGES OF MICHIGAN SEA GRANT EXTENSION EDUCATORSWhile MSG represents the whole state, our extension educators live and work among the coastal communities that they represent. If you have a specific question about your region, the following may help you find who to speak with, broken down by county.

Northeast Educator – Brandon Schroeder: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Cheboygan, Iosco, Presque Isle

Northwest Educator – Mark Breederland: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee

Southeast Educators – Mary Bohling and Steve Stewart: Huron, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola, Wayne

Southwest Educator – Dan O’Keefe: Allegan, Berrien, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren

Upper Peninsula Educator – Ron Kinnunen: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft

Central Michigan: General questions, media outreach and publications: The MSG communications team will assist you.

Email: msgpubs@umich.edu or call (734) 763-1437

UpwellingsVolume 35 | Number 1 | March 2012

10

Location: Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, Ann ArborService: 11 years, began February 2001

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Sea Grant builds bridges between scientists and communities.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Making out separate voices when conference calls include over 12 people!

HELLOmy name is

Rochelle Sturtevant

Great Lakes Regional Extension Educator

HELLOmy name is

Stephanie AriganelloCommunications

Coordinator

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 3.5 years, began November 2008

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? MSG strikes a good balance when it comes to natural resource research, education and outreach. Since we’re not a regulatory agency or an advocacy group, we have the flexibility to behave differently than those groups. Also, the collection of people we have here at MSG is strong. We are not just a group of scientists, or communicators, or outreach special-ists — we are all of those things. It’s a good recipe! The work we do and the information we distribute is reflective of that.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? The most challenging piece for me can often be communicating science in a compelling way. I don’t want the information to lose accuracy or integrity, but it also has to be interesting and relatable, or the audience just isn’t there.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Our strongest partnership, from my perspec-tive, is with the public. Hopefully we’ve been able to connect MSG with readers through vehicles like Upwellings, our social media platforms, our extension and outreach specialists and so on. If we educate and engage the general public, then we’ve created a group of citizens who make informed decisions.

pollution with human illnesses. The way past decisions were made and policies were written prevented collaboration and com-munication among the various branches of governments that are responsible for pollution discharge permitting, water quality monitoring and health surveillance, as examples. Managers and decision-makers work in silos (figuratively), however, more and more people are realizing that in order to address water quality and human health issues, we need to share information with each other and work collaboratively. It has been difficult to get people to think about their work differently and to understand that collaborating or sharing data and information is valuable and goes beyond jurisdictions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? The key partnerships I have made are with the environmental, public and medical health communities. These stakeholder groups are relatively new partners to Michigan Sea Grant, and they certainly are stewards and users of our coasts. I believe these are key partnerships because if you ask people about coastal issues that are important to them, many times they pinpoint use issues and ask questions like: can I drink the water? Can I eat the fish? Can I go swim-ming? Environmental health and public health constituents are key in helping to answer those questions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Wow! Where to begin?! The Great Lakes Panel is absolutely central to invasive species work in the Great Lakes. This body brings together all the players from the states, provinces and federal agencies on both sides of the border, along with individuals with real expertise in the science and policy of invasive species in the Great Lakes. COSEE Great Lakes pulled together folks from all over the Great Lakes region (and beyond) with an interest in Great Lakes education and literacy. Even with COSEE now unfunded, I couldn’t begin to func-tion in the Great Lakes education arena at this level without the wonderful partners I met through COSEE. The climate network — both scientists and educators — has grown from a handful of dedicated folks in this region a few years ago to a network boasting over a thousand professionals interested in engaging in climate education and outreach. And of course I can’t forget all my wonderful Sea Grant colleagues both throughout the Great Lakes region and the nation. We learn so much from each other and work so well together!

OUTREACH - COMMUNICATIONS The Michigan Sea Grant Communications and Education Services team focuses on developing educational materials for researchers and decision-makers, as well as K-12 students and educators and the general public. This team supports MSG research, extension and often works with partner organizations on product development. Communica-tions and Education Services also works with a broad spectrum of people to identify information gaps and to develop useful solutions. For instance, teachers interested in using real-life examples about the Great Lakes need materials that focus on science, technology, engineering and math. MSG developed Great Lakes Lessons, an online classroom for teachers to engage students by using real Great Lakes data, lessons and activities that cover topics like dead zones, fluctuating temperatures and water levels.

Management: Elizabeth LaPorte, Director

SONIA JOSEPH JOSH I CONTINUED

11www.miseagrant.umich.eduMICHIGAN SEA GRANT

HELLOmy name is

Todd MarseeGraphic Designer

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 1 year, began January 2011

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? MSG provides a clearinghouse for all things Great Lakes. If you have questions about the Lakes, you can come to Sea Grant for your answer. If we don’t have it, we’ll help you find out who does.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? With the regional nature of the Green Marina project, the time and space limitations of trying to work across boundaries is challenging. Technology is making that somewhat easier (I love webinars!). Trying to ensure that everyone’s needs are truly represented when coordinating regional efforts can be arduous, but it is so important. The other thing is, that although this is my top priority, it may not be the case for others.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? I’ve been in contact with Clean Marina experts throughout the Great Lakes basin. Similarly, I’ve facilitated a dialogue amongst our project team’s Sea Grant communicators aimed at sharing mes-sages about our Clean Marina programs and how they are beneficial to their home waterways. To sustain such collabora-tion beyond our project period, we’ve developed a Great Lakes Clean Marina Network, which includes representatives from both public and private sectors. Such partnerships will be key to sustain-ing a meaningful dialogue in discussing the marina role in ecologic, social and economic realms. These linkages are important because they illustrate that our respective programs are not alone — there are many shared issues — and an open discussion allows us to vet ideas and come up with common solutions.

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 7 years, began in 2004

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? The most valuable thing about Michigan Sea Grant is our involvement with education. Our materials are designed for both use in the classroom and learning and applying lessons outside. Getting out to hunt for rare plant species or to be on a boat pulling up fish from the Great Lakes is such a hands-on learning experience that will last a lifetime. I hope those events inspire a new respect or understanding of our Great Lakes. I wish I had that opportunity when I was in school. When my children each turn 6-years-old, (for one son, that is this summer!) I will be taking them on a Summer Discovery Cruise, one of the learning experiences anyone can sign up for through MSG.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Learning about different aspects of the Great Lakes in order to represent them well is a good challenge — I had no idea what a lake sturgeon was before I worked here. The other challenge is sitting at my desk (especially when I’m flipping through our photo library with all those beautiful, coastal shots). I really like it when we can get out as a group and experience the Great Lakes, whether it’s a kayak trip down the Detroit River, or taking photos for a project.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? From a graphics standpoint we have helped out partners in various ways like offering high-quality photography, brochures, signage, posters, websites and exhibit displays. It’s great to see (via the many requests through email) that groups view us as a resource for Great Lakes photogra-phy. On the flipside, we can always go to them for resources they might have.

HELLOmy name is

Laura Welsh Florence

Education Specialist

Location: U-M Ann ArborService: 1.5 years, began August 2010

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE, VALUABLE OR CRUCIAL SERVICE MSG PERFORMS? Michigan Sea Grant provides accessible, science-based informa-tion about Great Lakes coastal issues to residents and stakeholders across the state. In this age of “information overload,” I appreciate that there’s a trusted place for Michiganders to go when they want to learn about protecting the Great Lakes. Whether you’re a teacher, boater, angler or beach-goer, Michigan Sea Grant has resources for you.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK? Michigan is such a big state, and the Great Lakes region is huge. We have lots of great resources to share with teachers, but it’s a challenge to reach everyone. We’re always trying to be creative and use new technologies to engage teachers in a variety of ways.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PARTNERSHIPS YOU HAVE MADE? WHY ARE THEY KEY? Great Lakes educators are fantastic at collaboration. Whether it’s other Great Lakes Sea Grant programs, state and federal agency educators, universities or school districts, Michigan Sea Grant’s education programs benefit tremendously from our partner-ships. We all have limited resources and recognize how much more we can achieve by working together.

HELLOmy name is

Amy Samples

Community Outreach

Coordinator, Green Marinas

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NEW PUBLICATION ON DECK

Coming soon to a bookshelf near you — The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery. The Life of the Lakes brings the history, the fish, the people and the story of the Great Lakes alive. With this new edition, expected to be published by summer 2012, the familiar scope and breadth of content is intact, but informa-tion is presented in a new, easier-to-read format. Stay tuned for updates.

STAY CONNECTED

WANTED: GREAT LAKES MOST UNWANTEDGet Them While You Can! The Great Lakes Most Unwanted poster set is still being offered at a special low price. The set of full-color posters is great for educators, nature center staff and informal teachers. Please contact us for educational and/or bulk discounts for school districts and nature centers or workshops and other events.

DO YOU KNOW THE GREAT LAKES SPECIES?Brush up on identification or learn something new with one of our natural resource guidebooks.

The Guide to Great Lakes Fishes describes 62 of the region’s most commonly found species, from giants like the Lake Sturgeon to minnows and shiners. Beautiful color illustrations accompany color photographs and line drawings to highlight distinguishing characteristics of each fish.

Including simple yet authoritative descriptions of 67 coastal plants found along the United States and Canadian shores, the Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Plants is full of interesting, educational and surprising information.

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDAnn Arbor, MIPermit No. 144

Michigan Sea Grant College ProgramUniversity of Michigan 520 East Liberty St., Suite 310 Ann Arbor, MI 48104