The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor has secured a lifeline, with bipartisan legislation signed into law to reauthorize its funding for another five years. The Great Lakes Fisheries Research Reauthorization Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH), ensures the center can continue its critical research supporting Great Lakes fisheries.
This development comes as a response to previous attempts to drastically reduce staffing at the center. Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, emphasized the importance of the center’s work, stating, “The Great Lakes support a robust fishing industry that helps generate billions of dollars in economic activity across the region. It’s essential that the Great Lakes Science Center continues to have the resources it needs to protect the freshwater fisheries and habitats our communities depend on.”
The center’s activities are far-reaching, including surveys of both native and invasive fish populations, development of reintroduction plans for significant fish populations, and testing and development of research technologies. This data and these efforts are crucial for developing effective strategies for protecting and managing fisheries, in collaboration with tribal, state, and local partners.
The reauthorization is not an isolated effort. Senator Peters has been a vocal advocate for Great Lakes protections, having led the effort to secure the initial authorization for the Great Lakes Science Center in 2019. Earlier this Congress, he also introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 to reauthorize and expand resources for the GLRI program, which has been instrumental in restoring the Great Lakes.
As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, Peters plays a pivotal role in uniting Great Lakes Basin states to address critical issues such as invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, and infrastructure needs.
This news shapes the water, sanitation, and drainage sector by underscoring the importance of sustained funding for scientific research and environmental protection. It sets a precedent for bipartisan cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and highlights the economic and ecological significance of the Great Lakes. The sector can expect increased focus on data-driven strategies for managing freshwater resources and protecting aquatic ecosystems, potentially sparking further debate and innovation in environmental policy and technology development.