This study will evaluate the extent to which exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of a representative SSRI (citalopram) during early development (embryonic and larval stages) impairs learning and cognition and alters innate behaviors in a model species for ecotoxicological research, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Specifically, this study will test the hypothesis that exposure to SSRIs alters the behavior of fish at vulnerable early life stages in ways that reduce fitness (i.e., reduced ability to learn during foraging, impaired risk perception and social behavior).

This research will expand our comprehension of pharmaceutical water pollution in the Great Lakes— specifically behavioral effects on key prey species–which is relevant to the IISG’s focus on healthy coastal ecosystems. Forage fish are primary food sources for many important recreational fish species in the Great Lakes. Individual-level changes in learning, cognition, and perceptions of fear that increase early mortality, can translate into long-term population and community impacts. Furthermore, this work will aid in efforts to address threats like legacy contaminants and emerging pollutants, to mitigate environmental degradation in these crucial waterbodies. The outcomes of this research will allow a more complete understanding of organismal health and fitness in urban-impacted waters and improve ecosystem stability in lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan is a vital artery that sustains both the ecological balance and the agricultural prosperity of the neighboring communities. Yet, with climate change, excessive groundwater extraction, and agricultural runoff polluting the lake, its future is increasingly tied to the practices of local agriculture. Our research addresses this challenge by leveraging advanced UAV-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology for precise soil moisture estimation. By optimizing irrigation practices through accurate soil moisture data, we aim to significantly reduce groundwater extraction and minimize agricultural runoff, thereby contributing to the preservation of Lake Michigan’s ecological balance. This project represents a critical step towards sustainable water management that underscores the profound connection between agricultural practices and the health of Lake Michigan. This research is aligned with the IISG strategic plan in promoting resilience and sustainability in the community by safeguarding our natural heritage and ensuring the prosperity of future generations.

This research addresses two main questions related to the attitudes and behaviors toward invasive crayfish in the Great Lakes Region to better understand the outreach needs of these communities.

• What are the attitudes and behaviors of teachers in the Great Lakes Region towards invasive species of crayfish? What are effective methods of outreach for this community?
• What are the attitudes and behaviors of individuals involved in the culinary market in the Great Lakes Region towards invasive species of crayfish? What are effective methods of outreach for this community?

Invasive crayfish in the Great Lakes Region pose a threat to local ecosystems as they often outcompete native species and have the potential to damage local freshwater ecosystems. Native crayfish are important consumers and predators within the food web, and the disruption that invasive crayfish cause can have wide-reaching ecological and economic effects. There has been research and outreach done about the spread of invasive crayfish by use as bait by anglers, in aquariums and the pet trade, and through aquaculture. My research explores two additional potential introduction pathways: teachers who use crayfish in the classroom and people in the culinary market who use them as live food products. Both groups have been cited as potential pathways for crayfish introduction and spread. However, there is little understanding of the ways that individuals within these groups feel about and interact with invasive species in general and crayfish specifically.

This project was funded through the “Social and Economic Impacts of PFAS in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Regions” opportunity. Key objectives are:

• To characterize fish consumption behavior among recreational fishers in two predominantly African American populations in the Lake Michigan area by holding a listening session and conducting surveys at fishing sites.
• To explore these two communities’ familiarity with contaminants in fish including PFAS, their understanding of fish advisories and the potential health risks of eating recreationally-caught fish, preferred sources of health information, and behavior change domains.

Michigan Sea Grant will support outreach efforts for this project. 

This project was funded through the “Social and Economic Impacts of PFAS in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Regions” opportunity. 

The main objective of our proposal is how to communicate risk to focus on factors that could increase compliance with PFAS recommendations (e.g., using water filtration systems) and avoid unintended consequences, such as dismissing a complex message due to lack of understanding or generating fear and threat perception without a means to alleviate the threat. We have three studies where we focus specifically on: 1.) What types of information people look for online about PFAS; 2.) what type of messaging is most effective for communicating about the health risk of PFAS in an experiment with a focus on the variables of efficacy to enact recommendations, level of fear and threat conveyed by the message, and complexity of the message, and, 3.) What PFAS-related messages are most engaging in a real-world paid message test conducted on social media to residents who rely on municipal water supplies, including tests targeting both English and Spanish-speakers.

Wisconsin Sea Grant will support outreach efforts for this project.

This project was funded through the “Social and Economic Impacts of PFAS in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Regions” opportunity. 

The objectives of this study are: i) to advance the understanding of community risks of PFAS pollution exposure in MI, NY, and PA; and ii) to examine the effectiveness of the local regulations in the three states on motivating public awareness and avoidance behaviors.

New York Sea Grant is supporting outreach efforts for this proposal.