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By Riley Wilson Ice covering the Great Lakes stores organic carbon, which is released in a burst during spring melt. As climate change reduces ice cover, researchers say this seasonal surge of energy may be shrinking, with uncertain consequences for these freshwater systems.



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By Riley Wilson Rising levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination are prompting scientists to question whether the Great Lakes can safely sustain surrounding communities. A recent study shows signs of declining PFAS pollution in these waters using archived fish.



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Local award-winning filmmakers will take viewers into one of the least accessible and visually striking areas of the Great Lakes on Earth Day. On April 22, Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick of Inspired Planet Productions will use a cutting-edge underwater robot to take viewers into the fish-filled waters surrounding the



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By Samantha Ku A newly restored reef at Channel Island in Saginaw Bay is intended to support native fish spawning and increase their numbers, ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries. Construction to restore the nearshore fish spawning reef ended last October.



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By Riley Wilson Climate change, invasive species and other human-driven pressures are among the leading causes of declining freshwater health in the Great Lakes, the National Wildlife Federation reports. There's a growing need for community engagement to protect the lakes, one study finds.



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By Anna Ironside Postage stamps featuring wildlife are helping to fund conservation and bring awareness to communities about habitat protection throughout the Great Lakes region by centering species like the wood duck (Aix sponsa), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus).



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By Justin Fox Clausen Two insects are under consideration as Michigan's official state insect: the stonefly and, more recently, the Huron River leafhopper. The state is one of two in the country without an official insect.