Schedule

Great Lakes residents are facing increasing water insecurity due to life-threatening floods, declining water quality, invasive species, toxic chemicals, and harmful algal blooms. These environmental challenges are complex and interconnected, requiring more than a single-discipline approach to fully understand them. Researchers tackling the toughest questions on resilience come from diverse fields and have often learned to collaborate across disciplines. They must not only understand the underlying scientific systems but also translate their findings into practical, actionable solutions. Science is essential in shaping policies, programs, and plans that protect water resources and future generations. While leaders have the potential to drive positive change, the growing scale and complexity of water challenges make this increasingly difficult. How can we prepare the next generation of water leaders to contribute to the strengthening of Great Lakes resilience amidst these interconnected, transdisciplinary issues? How can we ensure that youth not only have the technical expertise required to understand this complexity of the challenges but also develop the ability to ensure this knowledge can be applied to practical solutions and decision-making in diverse settings? This session will highlight real-world examples and research on early-career programs that build skills for making research more accessible, relevant, and actionable for decision-makers. We invite abstracts that showcase successful early-career programs, networks, curricula, or professional development courses, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities for enhancing research impact. Chaired by: Jennifer Hauxwell, Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institutes, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Communication, Outreach, and Training

Chaired by: Mary A Kishe1 , Harvey Bootsma2 1 Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, 2University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Other Topics

Microorganisms are integral to aquatic food webs, whether they are cycling elements and releasing nutrients, driving primary productivity, or determining net greenhouse gas flux, lakes are a rich tapestry of microbial diversity. Furthermore, their roles as microbiome partners for higher eukaryotes and plankton enhance their ubiquity in these systems. This session aims to highlight all aspects of microbial life in Earth’s large lakes and take a deep dive into the central roles of microorganisms, viruses, and microeukaryotes in freshwater systems. Chaired by: Cody Sheik1 , Ryan Newton2 1 University of Minnesota Duluth, 2University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

• Contaminants, Pathogens, and Microbiology

This session’s focus is on the physical limnology of the Great Lakes and other lakes of the world. Papers are solicited dealing with field, modeling, AI/ML, experimental, and laboratory studies of physical processes in lakes and coastal regions, including, but not limited to, surface waves, internal waves, currents, turbulence, ice cover, stratification, and sediment transport. Studies focused on lakes of all sizes, big and small, are encouraged. Chaired by: David Cannon1 , Shuqi Lin2 , Yi Hong1 , Hazem Abdelhady1 1 University of Michigan, CIGLR, 2Environment and Climate Change Canada

• Biogeochemistry, Physics, and Modeling

Long-term monitoring often captures seasonal and annual change in plankton communities, while briefer studies often achieve high resolution and more extensive spatial resolution. Both are important in understanding controlling factors that structure plankton biomass levels and composition. We welcome contributions that focus on traditional net and dredge sampling approaches as well as novel autonomous technologies. Chaired by: James Watkins1 , Nik Barulin2 , Lyubov Burlakova2 , Lars Rudstam1 1 Cornell University, 2SUNY Buffalo State

• Whole Ecosystem Science and Management

In this session, we will explore recent advancements in research efforts on the characterization, fate and transport of microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other emerging contaminants as well as the role of natural organic matter (NOM) and environmental conditions in regulating the chemical speciation, reactivities, and biogeochemical cycling of emerging contaminants in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater ecosystems. Abstracts dealing with fundamental and applied research, including field studies, laboratory experiments, and modeling on emerging contaminants and natural and anthropogenic organic matter in water, sediment, and biota, are all welcome. Chaired by: Laodong Guo1 , John Lenhart2 , Elizabeth Minor3 1 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2Ohio State University, 3University of Minnesota-Duluth

• Contaminants, Pathogens, and Microbiology

Wetlands are the connective tissue between widespread agricultural and urban runoff and downstream ecosystems; so they play a significant role in determining the water quality, and resilience of the Great Lakes. Wetlands, even seemingly disconnected wetlands, act as buffers to the movement of water and pollutants across the landscape, which have been shown to reduce nutrient loading, therein reducing the severity of harmful algal blooms. The ability for wetlands to retain nutrients relies on their connectivity to sources, and sinks of nutrients. As wetlands are increasingly restored or constructed for the purpose of mitigating nutrient pollution, understanding from where and when wetlands receive, release, and store nutrients is critical to maximize nutrient retention. Such understanding is especially important amidst management tradeoffs (i.e., habitat, stormwater control) and multiple stressors (i.e., flood, drought, tile drain outputs). In this session we invite talks that discuss the connectivity between wetlands and nutrient sources- across landscapes, over time, or between the water column, sediments, and vegetation. This includes talks that highlight difficulties and successes in monitoring wetlands within the Great Lakes region, talks that harmonize datasets across different parameters or institutions, and talks that make explicit connections between management, policy, and science. Our goal in this session is to address how connectivity, both across landscapes and within individual wetlands, modifies their ability to retain nutrients, and how we can leverage monitoring and management to understand and enhance that nutrient retention. Chaired by: Kenneth Anderson1 , Michael Back1 , Olivia Schloegel1 , Lauren Brown2 1 Kent State University, 2Bowling Green State University

• Watersheds, Wetlands, and Coastal

The Laurentian Great Lakes have been irrevocably altered by a diverse array of anthropogenic stressors, including: the introduction of invasive and non-native species, changes in nutrient loading, overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. While historically considered a long-term stressor of lower priority, the effects of changing climatic conditions have already altered Great Lake ecosystems and are expected to become an increasingly dominant force structuring fish populations in the coming decades. Moreover, climate change may interact with existing stressors in complex and unexpected ways, leading to emergent shifts in ecosystem properties that challenge current fisheries management approaches. Understanding historic and potential future responses of fish populations and communities to these changes is essential for building ecosystem resiliency. This session will bring together managers and scientists to share research on climate-driven changes in Great Lake fish populations, including shifts in assemblages and communities, advancements in ecosystem modeling, the role of diverse habitats in supporting fisheries, and innovative approaches to habitat restoration. In collaboration with the NOAA Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative for the Great Lakes Region, this session will culminate in a discussion aimed at identifying key research priorities, distilling common themes, and fostering new collaborations to enhance climate resilience in Great Lakes fisheries management. Chaired by: Joseph Langan1 , Les Warren2 , Riley Ravary3 , Peter Alsip1 , Meena Raju3 , Spencer Gardner2,3 1Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, NOAA, 2Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 3Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, University of Michigan

• Fish and Non-Indigenous Species

Our understanding of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and dynamics within the Great Lakes is rapidly evolving. Advancements in monitoring and research, technology, and capacity to explore greater spatial and temporal scales of HAB occurrence are allowing for improved ability to anticipate HAB events and respond with appropriate management action. With progressive climate change pressures, development, and land modification, it is imperative that our understanding of HAB dynamics within the Great Lakes keep pace to ensure resiliency against this significant ecosystem health threat. This session will share recent advancements related to all aspects of Great Lakes HABs, including causes, consequences, and management considerations. We invite presentations that span multiple HABs systems or interdisciplinary approaches, as well as those addressing: (1) present state of HABs knowledge and science; (2) strategies and methodologies to detect and measure blooms and toxins, treatment, and mitigation efforts; and (3) management and policy considerations for enhanced resilience to HAB occurrence in the Great Lakes. Chaired by: Ryan J. Sorichetti1 , Mary Anne Evans2 , Nicole Zacharda3 , Jenan Kharbush4 1 Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2United States Geological Survey, 3Great Lakes Commission, 4University of Michigan

• Harmful and Nuisance Algae, Human Health

• Plenary

This session will highlight ecological modeling and empirical studies of biological-physical interactions and biogeochemistry in the pelagic and benthic zones of large lakes as well as streams and rivers in their watersheds. We encourage contributions that address important ecological functions as well organismal responses to abiotic factors using process-based numerical models, data-driven models, ecological experiments, physiological or molecular tools, and in situ observations. Chaired by: Mark Rowe1 , Reza Valipour2 , Casey Godwin3 , Josef Ackerman4 1 NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, 2Environment and Climate Change Canada, 3University of Michigan, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, 4University of Guelph

• Biogeochemistry, Physics, and Modeling

From the macro to nano scale, plastic waste has been found in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments across the globe. The Laurentian Great Lakes watershed is no exception, and no Great Lake is immune to the harmful impacts of plastic. It has been estimated that nearly 10,000 metric tons of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes each year from the United States and Canada. Researchers have found that approximately 90% of water samples collected from the Great Lakes over 10 years contained levels of microplastics unsafe for wildlife. As a growing and environmentally urgent field of study, understanding the pathways and sources of diverse types of plastic debris as well as their impacts on communities throughout the Great Lakes basin is critical to developing effective, lasting efforts to stem the flow of plastic into the environment. Building from the successful plastic debris session and panel at IAGLR in 2024, this session will once again gather diverse experts to showcase the advancements in plastic debris prevention, research methods, and results while identifying how to overcome gaps in the actionable reduction of Great Lakes macro and microplastics. Similar to last year, the session will conclude with an interactive panel of presenters to further explore and synthesize the day's conversations. Chaired by: Haley Dalian1 , Brittany Welsh2 , Madelyne Cosme3 1 NOAA, 2Trent University, 3Canada Water Agency

• Contaminants, Pathogens, and Microbiology

Can we do it? Should we do it? The CRISPR/Cas system is a cutting edge technology that presents new opportunities for managing invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. Traditional methods, such as barriers and lampricides, often face significant challenges—they can be costly, environmentally disruptive, and sometimes ineffective. CRISPR-Cas enables a promising alternative by allowing for precise genetic alterations, which could result in more effective and sustainable control of sea lampreys. Genetic control has the potential to both eradicate invasive sea lamprey and reduce the costs associated with current control options, but it also brings forward new challenges and unanswered questions. This session will explain the science of CRISPR/Cas, provide strategies for effective science education, and emphasize the importance of integrating both Indigenous and Western science in environmental decision-making. The presenters aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of how genetic control could transform sea lamprey management in the Great Lakes and will also begin discussions on addressing the associated challenges and uncertainties. Chaired by: Noah Gauthier1 , Margaret Docker2 , Jill Furgurson3 1 University of Ottawa, 2University of Manitoba, 3North Carolina State University

• Fish and Non-Indigenous Species

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are increasingly viewed as significant contributors to reducing the impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes basin. By protecting, restoring, or expanding ecosystems, NBS provide a wide range of benefits, including carbon emission mitigation, filtration, flood reduction, and biodiversity enhancement. NBS also offer governments the potential to achieve environmental goals across various scales. This includes improved agricultural practices, wetland conservation, and restoration at the regional level, as well as meeting global emissions and biodiversity targets. However, despite growing adoption, a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of NBS is needed to clarify their role, the permanence of their benefits, and their long-term sustainability. This session will highlight both the successes and challenges of implementing NBS for the protection of Great Lakes ecosystems, bringing together scientists, engineers, and decision-makers to share their insights and experiences. Chaired by: Jérôme Marty1 , Scott Parker2 1 International Association for Great Lakes Research, 2Parks Canada

• Whole Ecosystem Science and Management

Join us for this annual tradition! Dinner, awards ceremony, and cash bar. Ticket required, open to all attendees. Sign up when registering. Enjoy music from Cold Soda Club.