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.

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

Meanwhile, cycling groups continue to advocate more safety measures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

This zero-sum game is a losing proposition.

Tom Mackay, a retired Vista Fleet captain, discusses his passion for boating and his career and retirement on Lake Superior.

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.

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.