Great Lakes Cleanup
Over a century of intensive development has left our rivers, lakes, and harbors contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and other toxic pollutants. Many aquatic ecosystems are stressed and degraded—unsafe for people and unsuitable for various fish and wildlife species. We work to remediate and restore these waterbodies through research, education, and outreach that improve coastal health and ensure continued enjoyment and use of coastal resources.
Programs & Initiatives
Great Lakes Legacy Act
Pollution from over a century of intensive development remains in the sediment of many Great Lakes tributaries, harming fish and wildlife and leaving water unsafe for people. These sites are being cleaned up through the Great Lakes Legacy Act by the U.S. EPA in partnership with local, state, and private organizations.
See MorePublications
- IISG Focus: Education
- Ecosystem Services Valuation in the Indiana Coastal Zone
- Lake Michigan Health: A Deeper Dive
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Impacts 2019
- Summary report of the “Plastics research in the Great Lakes: identifying gaps and facilitating collaboration” session presented during the 60th annual International Association for Great Lakes Research conference (IAGLR)
Related News
- New video series highlights five revitalized Great Lakes Areas of Concern
- IISG is committed to helping communities be more resilient
- IISG faculty scholars experiment with sustainable concrete solutions
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant continues to address marine debris challenges with new project
- We’re searching for a senior environmental extension scientist to work on Great Lakes issues
Research Projects
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funds original research projects that support and complement our education and outreach activities. The link below will take you the Great Lakes Cleanup section of our funded research database, where you will find project descriptions, contact information, and final reports and publications.
See All Related Research & Projects