A recent research project led by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant analyzed seafood-related online posts to better understand public attitudes toward seafood, including both fish and shellfish. The analysis revealed a wide range of sentiments toward seafood in the United States across most regions and fish categories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers noted an upward trend in positive sentiment, suggesting increased public appreciation for seafood during that time.

This quick fact sheet provides highlights of IISG’s work through 2024 with a bi-state perspective.

A study funded by the USDA North Central Regional Aquaculture Center analyzed public sentiment regarding five fishes to offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and conservation organizations with vested interests in the management and preservation of these fishes. From July 2020 to June 2024, over 732,200 social media mentions referenced bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch.

Ripple Effects is a collection of 6-12 grade activities that introduce students to aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Through this curriculum, students can engage in research, reporting, and role-playing games and activities to learn why these non-native species threaten native ones, how they came to the region, and their impact on Great Lakes ecosystem dynamics. These eight activities align to both the Next Generation Science Standards and the Great Lakes Literacy Principles.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s annual magazine.

This issue highlights:

• Educators engage with Great Lakes scientists aboard the Lake Guardian 
• Scientists and educators investigate Lake Michigan biological hotspots
• IISG looks back on 30 years of AIS outreach
• Coastal communities face challenges in managing beach sand and structures
• Stuart Carlton is the new IISG director
• Tomas Höök reflects on his Sea Grant legacy

This overview introduces a novel method for producing high-quality protein for larval fish diets, targeting feed and ingredient manufacturers. It outlines the challenges of indoor fish rearing using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), particularly the difficulty larvae have digesting traditional dry feeds. The proposed solution uses protein hydrolysates—pre-digested proteins made more accessible through hydrolysis with species-specific digestive enzymes. This approach improves nutrient absorption and growth performance. Notably, the method uses invasive fish species as a sustainable protein source and applies enzymes from the target species for precise, efficient hydrolysis.