“Over the last decade or so, a huge range of interests — from environmental groups to fishermen to shipping experts to politicians — have raised the alarm over just how much this artificial connection has created an opening for invasive species such as the Asian carp to make their way through North America’s waterways. And the costs associated with the damage caused by these species have been high enough to prompt serious consideration of closing off the link between the Mississippi and the Great Lakes.How high? First, consider the figure $18 billion. That’s the estimate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released last week to re-insert a physical separation between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi system. The full report, the Great Lakes and Interbasin Mississippi River Study, was commissioned by Congress to address the growing threat of invasive species in the area known as the Chicago Area Waterway System. The final report details a wide spectrum of actions — ranging from essentially maintaining the status quo to engineering a complete separation over a 25-year period — but doesn’t offer recommendations on which course to take.”
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Did you know unused medications can end up in our lakes, rivers, and drinking water, affecting our wildlife and water quality? That’s why proper disposal matters. This Saturday, April 25th, take advantage of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) to safely and anonymously drop off expired or unused prescriptions.
Can’t make it Saturday? Our Unwanted Meds program can help you find a year-round drop-off location near you: unwantedmeds.org/how-to-dispose/find-a-drop-off-location
Click the link in our bio to access the Unwanted Meds drop-off locator!
#UnwantedMeds #TakeBackDay #GreatLakes #WaterQuality #SafeDisposal
Happy Earth Day 🌎💙
From the Great Lakes to your local community, every action counts. Whether it’s reducing waste, protecting water, or learning something new, small steps make a big impact.
National Crayfish Day is this Friday! 🦞
Celebrate April 17 by exploring crayfish with your students using Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s crayfish curriculum. It’s full of hands‑on activities, data lessons, and place‑based learning. Dive in and discover the amazing world of crayfish! Check it out at the link in bio.
Meet IISG grad student scholar, Dohyung Bang! Dohyung is a PhD candidate in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (@purduehtmlife) program at Purdue University. He is studying how complex tourism systems shape societal and economic outcomes. His project, funded by IISG, examines the impact of the home-sharing economy on housing market dynamics in the Lake Michigan area.
Photo 1: photo of Dohyung Bang
Photo 2: A map illustrating short-term rental distribution in the Chicago area.
Photo 3: Dohyung Bang presents his research at the 31st Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism
Learn more about Dohyung’s work at the link in bio.
Interested in becoming an IISG grad student scholar? Learn more: https://iiseagrant.org/its-time-to-apply-for-the-2026-iisg-graduate-scholars-program/
