“Nightmare. But also, cool.” – Host Bella Isaacs on the sea lamprey.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is a binational organization that works to control sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes and promote scientific research in the region. This week, Ross Shaw and Cory Brant of the GLFC joined hosts Bella Isaacs, Prachiti Dhamankar, and Isabelle Brogna to talk about why sea lamprey pose such a major threat to the Great Lakes, how the commission works to control them, and why, despite appearances, these aquatic invaders are actually pretty fascinating creatures.
The two hand-shaped maps of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan cup the hydrological corridor that links Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The whip-sawed waters of this passageway contain some of the mightiest currents in the Great Lakes, which intermittently thrash around a volume of water ten-times that which flows over Niagara Falls. The powerful Straits of Mackinac reach a 3.5-mile distance at their widest width and a 295-foot range at their deepest depth.
Water conservation is the focus of this week’s show as we discussed conservation efforts in the White Lake area, invasive species and their effect on the local food supply, regulating levels of harmful chemicals like PCBs in the Great Lakes, the spotted gar, and more!
On this week’s show: Rebecca Hardin phones in from the wilds of Traverse City to discuss the virtuous adventures of interactive environmental learning; a long time listener, first time caller, and Michigan native fills us in on his favorite outdoor spots for maximizing our Michigan summer enjoyment; IHIH production team member Sam Molnar talks about his exciting work with the Great Lakes Commission; and we listen to new (and old) tracks from JJ’s favorite band the Unknown Mortal Orchestra! Links below!
