Schedule

Adaptive management of the Great Lakes requires hydroclimate data for (1) testing water management alternatives under a range of hydroclimate conditions, (2) making decisions based on predicted hydroclimate conditions over varying time horizons, and (3) understanding and communicating impacts of hydroclimate activities and the ability and/or limitations of water management to address these impacts. The long history of binational water management along with modeling complexities resulting from the vast surface areas of the lakes, their interaction with the regional climate, and data discontinuities that result from combining observations and models from both sides of the border have resulted in a unique evolution of hydroclimate data, models, and their applications to water management. We seek presentations that describe advancements in hydroclimate data and models for use in Great Lakes adaptive management. In addition to submissions describing advancements in the hydroclimate science for the Great Lakes, we look for contributions that highlight the potential applications of hydrologic, hydraulic, atmospheric, and data science models to decision support and communication of the ability and/or limitation of water management strategies to mitigate impacts. We also welcome presentations that highlight the research gaps in hydroclimate science that might be narrowed in the coming years due to advancements in data availability and modeling efforts. This session is a continuation of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee’s effort to identify research priorities to advance adaptive management for the Great Lakes. Chaired by: Deanna Fielder1 , Lauren Fry2 , Dani Jones3 , Frank Seglenieks4 , Scott Steinschneider5 , David Cannon3 1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Detroit District, 2NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, 3University of Michigan Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, 4Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5Cornell University

• Biogeochemistry, Physics, and Modeling

Petroleum hydrocarbon spills into inland waters have become a concern due to their extensive use in power generation, manufacturing, and chemical industries. Pipelines and other critical supply chain infrastructure (including marine traffic) are located adjacent to, on top of, and underneath, lakes and their tributaries. Research on oil exposure in freshwater ecosystems and the development of effective spill response technologies and strategies are required, as these systems have been understudied compared to marine environments. There is a need to enhance our level of oil spill preparedness and response measures as inland waters provide the majority of the world’s drinking water, support the blue economy, and are of cultural significance for many Indigenous people. This session will highlight the importance of freshwater oil spill research and the collaborations between researchers, emergency managers, and coastal communities aimed at improving our ability to predict, prepare for, respond to, and recover from oil spills. Attendees of this session will hear from a variety of perspectives and can expect to learn more about:- Emerging tools and technologies for freshwater oil spill detection, monitoring, and response for use over a range of environmental conditions that include the presence of ice.- Regional case studies (e.g., Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway System) to illustrate the impact of oil spills to communities and economies.- Lessons learned that may help to advance ecosystem and community resilience. Chaired by: Kelsey Prihoda1 , Kenneth Lee2 , Aude Lochet3 , Jérôme Marty4 1 Minnesota Sea Grant, 2Kenneth Lee Research Inc., 3Lake Champlain Sea Grant, 4International Association for Great Lakes Research

• Contaminants, Pathogens, and Microbiology

With communities increasingly at the front lines of water challenges and institutional capacity stretched thin, the importance of volunteer-powered data collection, called “Citizen,” "Community," or “Participatory” science, continues to grow. Fortunately, Great Lakes residents have long felt a deep connection to their water resources. Participatory science groups have been harnessing this energy for years, enabling cost-effective collection of water quality data that expands the reach of traditional research while addressing local challenges. This session will explore the current state and future possibilities of Great Lakes participatory science in two sections - 1. Fundamental contributions of participatory science to research and management, and 2. Effective and authentic collaborations between participatory science groups and traditional institutions. Each section will end with interactive discussions that explore models for bottom-up and top-down approaches to uplift local work and strengthen connections with institutional players. Chaired by: Max Herzog1 , Gabrielle Parent-Doliner2 , Megan McLaughlin3, 4, 5, Tori Agnew-Camiener3, 4, 5 1Cleveland Water Alliance, 2Water Rangers, 3Michigan Sea Grant, 4International Joint Commission, 5Great Lakes Commission

• Communication, Outreach, and Training

In the age of misinformation and distrust of scientific experts, it is imperative that research communication skills are up-to-date. Resilience in science communication means using different tools and techniques while learning from experts outside of our field. From social media to casual conversation with your neighbor and media requests, scientists need to communicate effectively to multiple audiences. A quality communicator can take an audience from where they are to where they need to be in order to develop a more scientifically literate society. This session will focus on innovative research involving science communications and the skills needed to accomplish communication goals. To make scientific research accessible to non-scientists, we must adapt to the ways in which the world is receiving its information and how we connect with diverse stakeholders. Using interdisciplinary approaches, Great Lakes scientists can learn from communications sciences, performing arts, and other fields to expand the ways in which pertinent scientific information is distributed to audiences. Other techniques, such as focus groups and adaptive management are established in various fields but are emerging in science communication. Integrating a suite of communication tools provides avenues to further develop your career, no matter what stage or profession. We encourage potential speakers to share ways in which they incorporate data collection and analysis, gamification, new technology, and other creative ways to ensure maximum engagement. We welcome abstract submissions from anyone who wants to share the unique ways in which they have found success or failure in science communication. Chaired by: Anna Boegehold1 , Nicole Wood2 , Allison Devereaux3 1 Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, 2IAGLR, 3Western University

• Communication, Outreach, and Training

Ecological restoration in the Great Lakes region faces numerous challenges, including pollution, invasive species, and shifting hydrological patterns. Significant funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has helped restore many impacted ecosystems. However, some critical questions remain: What have we learned? How successful have projects been in restoring ecosystems and what are the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that restoration actions are not only implemented correctly but produce the intended restoration outcomes? This symposium will explore the theme of “Enhancing Quality in Great Lakes Restoration,” focusing on lessons learned and strategies for fostering resilient ecosystems. Speakers will address various subthemes such as: quality oversight during project implementation; sediment and water quality remediation; ecosystem and social resilience; innovation and knowledge sharing; monitoring the effectiveness of restoration efforts; and design and use of nature-based solutions. Chaired by: Craig Palmer1 , Timothy Lewis1 1 Government contractor

• Whole Ecosystem Science and Management

This session aims to emphasize the importance of community-driven research, exploring how Indigenous leadership in environmental governance strengthens partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, policymakers, and organizations. By focusing on Indigenous-led research programs, the session will highlight successes, share lessons learned, and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges such as colonial frameworks, systemic barriers, and power imbalances. This session seeks to create space to demonstrate how Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being are applied to, care for, restore, and foster resilience in Great Lakes ecosystems. Topics will include (but not limited to) Indigenous-led water quality and contaminants monitoring, species restoration, and land and water stewardship programs that bring together multiple ways of knowing. This session builds upon the IAGLR special issue "Bridging Knowledge Systems: Indigenous and Non-Indigenous" by highlighting Indigenous-led research and initiatives within the Great Lakes Basin including ongoing research programs led by members of the Indigenous Great Lakes Network. This session will showcase innovative, community-driven approaches that center Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) and leadership. The goal of this session is to amplify the voices of Indigenous researchers and knowledge-holders, and to inspire ongoing collaboration that prioritizes Indigenous leadership in ecosystem stewardship for the health, resilience, and sustainability of the Great Lakes. Chaired by: Barbara Wall1 , Alex Duncan2 , Janessa Esquible3 , Mary-Claire Buell1 1 Trent University, 2University of British Columbia, 3Great Lakes Fishery Commission

• Indigenous Knowledge

Traditionally, research of riverine loading to lakes has focused on sediment and nutrients - particularly as drivers of harmful algal blooms and other community and ecosystem processes. However, other constituents of water quality, such as toxic chemical loading, can lead to the destruction of habitats and biodiversity. Further, biotic components such as algae, invertebrates, and vertebrates often disperse from rivers to lakes which can cause seasonal shifts to the lake ecosystem and can drive long-term ecosystem changes. This session seeks to explore the role that tributaries and connecting systems play in large lake ecosystem processes and community structure. Topics can include, but are not limited to, biodiversity, biogeochemistry, harmful algal blooms, ecosystem services, habitat availability, geomorphology, nutrient/sediment dynamics, and international policy, especially those using novel field and/or statistical techniques. Chaired by: Douglas Kane1, 2, Nathan Manning1, 2, Colleen Cosgrove1, 2 1Heidelberg University, 2National Center for Water Quality Research

• Watersheds, Wetlands, and Coastal

This session invites presentations with an emphasis on tropical lakes and tropical aquatic ecosystems broadly. Any aspect of limnology, biogeochemistry, hydrogeology, land-water margin interactions, mangrove ecology, paleolimnology, or human resource dimensions are welcome and encouraged. Tropical lakes have unique characteristics and are increasingly subject to impacts from human activities, climate change, and perturbation by extreme events. Both historical/paleo- and current dynamics are of interest. Both poster and oral presentations are welcome. Chaired by: Val Klump1 , Jerry Kaster1 , Hector Hernandez2 1 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2ECOSUR, Chetumal, Mexico

• Whole Ecosystem Science and Management

Observations are a critical component to understanding the current state of the ecosystem for direct measurements, future comparisons, and inclusion in models as sources of validation. Advances in observing technologies and their applications have expanded over the last 5 to 10 years. We invite presentations that highlight emerging observing efforts around the Great Lakes region, from in-lake monitoring to atmospheric stations and novel measurements with a direct pipeline to advanced applications that utilize this data. Applications can include modeling and associated products, data assimilation, and adjustments to regional forecasts. Chaired by: Shelby Brunner1 , Timothy Calappi2 , Hayden Henderson3 , Andrea Vander Woude4 , Steve Ruberg4 1 Great Lakes Observing System, 2U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 3Michigan Technological University, 4NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

• Observing and Sensor Technology

• Plenary

The Earth’s atmosphere is a significant stressor on the large lakes of the world, and the large lakes have an equivalent feedback! From near-surface turbulence, to large-scale downstream dynamics, large bodies of water have unique and important interactions with the atmosphere. This year, IAGLR is taking place near multiple institutions with reputable atmospheric science research, and this session is welcoming all abstracts that focus on atmospheric interactions with large lakes. Research topics exploring the meteorological prediction or conceptual understanding of lake-atmosphere interactions may include weather time scale phenomena (lake-effect snow, lake surface influence on synoptic scale flow, lake breeze circulations, etc.), climate time scale phenomena (climate change in the atmosphere, seasonal temperature patterns and anomalies, aggregate effects of extratropical cyclones, etc.), and observations of relevant phenomena (remote sensing of precipitation and fluxes, in-situ observations of storm and lake circulations, etc.). Chaired by: Abby Hutson1 , David Wright2 1 U-M Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, 2Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

• Biogeochemistry, Physics, and Modeling

Great Lakes coastal marshes have adapted to water-level fluctuations, a primary driver of wetland plant biodiversity. The species mix of aquatic plants is known to change according to water-level conditions. Global climate has altered the net basin supply to these lakes, and have contributed to record-shattering high and/or low water levels being recorded in Lakes Huron-Michigan, Erie and Ontario over the past two decades. The ecological consequence of these water-level extremes includes establishment of alien invasive plants that have had cascading effects on upper trophic levels, and reduced plant and fish biodiversity compared with more typical water levels. Papers are invited to contribute both short-term and long-term responses of wetland ecosystems to atypical pattern of water-level fluctuations in all Great Lakes and connecting channels, with the goal of synthesizing current knowledge and revealing research gaps that must be filled to mitigate further impacts of extreme water levels on our green infrastructure. Chaired by: Patricia Chow-Fraser, McMaster University

• Watersheds, Wetlands, and Coastal

• Biogeochemistry, Physics, and Modeling
• Contaminants, Pathogens, and Microbiology
• Communication, Outreach, and Training
• Indigenous Knowledge
• Other Topics
• Whole Ecosystem Science and Management
• Watersheds, Wetlands, and Coastal
• Fish and Non-Indigenous Species
• Harmful and Nuisance Algae, Human Health
• Observing and Sensor Technology

In " All Too Clear ," cutting-edge underwater drones explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive quagga mussels are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. Part scientific exploration, part natural history adventure - the film shines a spotlight on freshwater wildlife and environments like never before. The 90-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion.

Join your fellow students for the student-only mixer at the Central Waters Brewing Co. Appetizers and a taco bar will be provided. The Beer Garden is accessible through the gate on 11th Street.