May 3 2013 | | No Comment
The male fathead minnow's fat pad and pimple-like bumps, called tubercules, will shrink if he is exposed to estrogen. Fathead minnows, sold in Wisconsin bait shops and swimming in its waters, are a key species for research on endocrine disruption. Photo: John Lyons/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The fathead minnow is to aquatic toxicology what mice and rats are to drug trials.

Minnesota researchers used it recently to explore the effects of exposure to the effluent streams from wastewater treatment plants.

Photo: MoBikeFed (flickr)

The number of Michigan’s bicyclist deaths dropped 17 percent between 2011 and last year.

Meanwhile, cycling groups continue to advocate more safety measures.

May 1 2013 | | No Comment
Native vegetation in the unmowed area between the sand and the water helps slow runoff and prevents erosion. Compared to turf grass, the native plants have far deeper roots than turf grass, and therefore absorb polluted runoff before it enters Lake Huron. Photo: Huron Pines

Ecologists encourage property owners to plant their beaches to reduce erosion and provide wildlife habitat. Upshore gardens can prevent pollution and runoff. And maintaining native plants impedes invasive species.

Apr 30 2013 | | 5 Comments
Ohio State scientist Warren Dick, right, says a byproduct of coal-burning power plants called FGD gypsum, shown here in the foreground, can be used to improve farm soils, crop yields and Lake Erie. Photo: K.D. Chamberlain

A coal plant byproduct may help fight Lake Erie algae.

Researchers have found that gypsum helps phosphorus stay on the land where it fertilizes crops.

That keeps it from washing off the land and into the water where it can feed algae.

Apr 29 2013 | | No Comment
Kzoo3

Each week, Great Lakes Echo features a photo story about a different Area of Concern designated by the U.S. or Canadian governments in the Great Lakes basin. Guess where the area is located, based on the description of the site.

Apr 29 2013 | | 3 Comments
Unlike Wisconsin, Minnesota has been systematically testing its surface waters for endocrine disruptors and other chemicals of emerging concern. Lake Monona, Madison, in November 2012. Photo: Kate Golden, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Chemicals that act like hormones have entered waters in the Great Lakes region and elsewhere. They are in soaps, plastics, industrial solvents, pesticides, herbicides and medicines.

Apr 26 2013 | | 5 Comments
chicagoview

Why does every gain in Great Lakes protection seem to be offset by a loss?

This zero-sum game is a losing proposition.

Apr 25 2013 | | No Comment
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Tom Mackay, a retired Vista Fleet captain, discusses his passion for boating and his career and retirement on Lake Superior.

Apr 25 2013 | | 4 Comments
Lake Superior from Gros Cap Bluffs, Prince Township, Ontario. Photo: Fungus Guy.

Calumet Specialty Products is considering moving its oil by tanker across Lake Superior.

The company says it needs more shipping options to meet demands now that an oil boom in North Dakota and Canada is underway.

Chris Hillier took on a 230-mile trail from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron last fall. Photo: Chris Hillier

Hiker Chris Hillier is set to blaze a new trail from southeast to northwest Michigan.
Michigan government, tourism and business officials hope the route cements the state as the number one trail state and boosts local economies.