In case you missed it, “Showcasing the DNR” dived into the topic of “smart ship” technologies with a recent story about the new Marine Autonomy Research Site in Lake Superior. The site, near Michigan Technological University in Houghton and managed by the university, will serve as the world’s first freshwater location for testing unmanned (autonomous) surface and underwater vessels for operation in Great Lakes and U.S. coastal waters.

The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes – an office within the DNR – assisted with development of the testing site, a hub for the development of futuristic, state-of-the-art smart ship technologies.

University researchers envision unmanned surface and underwater vessels being used to augment manned research ships to transport remote-sensing technology, collect sonar and video imagery, deploy under frozen Great Lakes waters to gather winter samples and venture to sites unsafe for humans.

Other testing could involve autonomous underwater vehicles monitoring structures such as pipelines for their integrity, identifying shipwrecks or recovering evidence when working with the Michigan State Police. Read more

Late last month, NMMA – in conjunction with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) – asked Florida members to add their company’s name to a letter requesting assistance with toxic algae blooms in the state’s waters. Nearly 200 businesses signed the letter, which was sent to several federal and state officials on September 12 – including President Donald Trump, Governor Rick Scott, and Florida’s Congressional Delegation. Read more

Many aquatic invasive species – non-native plants and animals that can disrupt the natural ecosystem, tourism and the economy – are easily spread by boaters and anglers who use their equipment in multiple bodies of water without properly cleaning it.

As part of efforts to manage aquatic invasive species, a habitat enhancement project at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta, Michigan, recently kicked off. The DNR is working with Kieser & Associates, an environmental science and engineering firm in Kalamazoo, on a plan to enhance the recreation area’s habitat by managing aquatic invasive species in its lakes. The project is funded through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment as part of the settlement levied against Enbridge Energy in connection with the July 2010 oil release on Line 6B into the Kalamazoo River.

In addition to aquatic plant surveys, which have found invasive species in all of Fort Custer’s lakes, the three-year project will include several different treatments to control these species. This will help determine the best long-term, cost-effective options for invasive species management in the lakes. The project also involves a public outreach and educational component to help park visitors understand their role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

You can help by following these simple steps:

• Clean boats, trailers and equipment.
• Drain live wells, bilges and all water from boats.
• Dry boats and equipment.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

Learn more about preventing the spread of invasive species at michigan.gov/invasives.