Mn Sea Grant: Superior Waves

Beach-goers and swimmers began taking notice of rip currents in Lake Superior about five years ago. The death of 21 year-old Matthew Rheaume while swimming along Minnesota Point (also known as Park Point) in 2003 highlighted the danger rip currents pose in the Twin Ports. National Weather Service Meteorologist Dean Packingham with the Duluth office says the risks prompted them to develop a surf zone forecast for the area.

Seagulls and sightseers crowd Canal Park in Duluth, taking in some of the treasures of Duluth's maritime industry. Among them, a group of 15 teachers file into the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center to learn about the importance of shipping on the Great Lakes. It's part of a five-day course put on by Joan Chadde — coordinator of the Great Lakes Maritime Transportation Teacher Institute.

For the last three years, researchers with the Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota Duluth have been examining warming trends in Lake Superior. Assistant Professor Jay Austin is among scientists documenting the effects of climate change in the lake.

Great Lakes states have been examining ways to minimize their impact on lake environments. Minnesota and Wisconsin are no exception. The two states are joining forces to develop successful clean or green marina programs to protect Lake Superior. Wisconsin Sea Grant Coastal Engineering Specialist Gene Clark says they started looking at the issue a few years ago.

E. coli bacteria contamination in the Duluth/Superior harbor has been an issue for many years. University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor Randall Hicks is working with researchers to narrow the field for possible causes and pathways of contamination.

Millions of people are drawn to Lake Superior each year to catch a glimpse of its natural beauty. Many in the Northland work to preserve the region's natural resources. But development along the shoreline has been a growing threat to water quality and lands surrounding the lake, according to Ben Van Tassel of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

This marks the fifth year of boat tours on Lake Superior and its shoreline. The "View From the Lake" project is a joint effort between the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin--Superior to promote awareness of water quality issues in and around the lake.

Smelt have been around for so long that some may not realize they are an invasive species. Smelt were first stocked into the St. Marys River in 1909 to ensure the success of salmon in the Great Lakes. Don Schreiner, Lake Superior Area Fisheries Supervisor for the Minnesota DNR, says smelt weren't found in Lake Superior until almost thirty years later.

These natives of Eastern Europe made their way into the Great Lakes like many other invasives — through the ballast water of ocean-going ships. Scientists say similarities between quagga mussels and zebra mussels masked their presence in Lake Superior. Jack Kelly, a researcher at Duluth's EPA lab, says pinning down their identification didn't come easy.

Researchers have witnessed many changes in the Great Lakes in the wake of abnormally warm winters and summers in recent years. Many lake scientists are examining the impact of warmer temperatures on Lake Superior. Jay Austin is a researcher with UMD's Large Lakes Observatory. He says ice plays a number of roles in the lake.

A seiche is a little-known phenomenon that occurs within the Great Lakes. They are standing waves that occur in an enclosed body of water. Minnesota Sea Grant Director Stephen Bortone says researchers have spotted seiches in Lake Superior.

The invasion of sea lamprey into the Great Lakes had a significant impact on Lake Superior's native lake trout. Lamprey nearly eliminated lake trout populations in Lake Superior by the 1970s, which led various state agencies to make comprehensive programs to restore the fish. Efforts remain underway to keep the invaders from threatening lake trout.

A charrette is simply a focused effort to resolve community development challenges in a short period of time. Often, a charrette can avoid drawn-out battles between communities and cities over development. Such is the case with the Amity Creek Charrette.

Chemicals like DDT have drawn much attention and concern over the years. The presence of chemicals, such as those from pesticides, beg the question, "What effects are these pollutants having on our environment?" Now scientists are concerned about another round of chemicals making their way into Lake Superior.

Invasive species have been getting a lot of attention with the spread of spiny waterfleas and round gobies to name a few. People outside the scientific community are now realizing the impacts that these foreign invaders have on the Lake Superior. Many groups are combining efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, especially through the ballast water of ocean-going ships.

Your doctor may tell you that fish is a good source of protein or that their omega 3 fatty acids benefit heart health. But what you may not know are the risks associated with eating fish.

You may have heard about the mystery of corroding steel in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The problem could cause millions of dollars in damage to the harbor's steel docks and sheet pilings. Now, scientists have discovered that the situation is not unique to Duluth-Superior. According to Duluth Seaway Port Authority Facilities Manager Jim Sharrow, it's in other Northland harbors as well.

Lake Superior has experienced a number of changes over the years. Shoreline development, chemical pollutants and invasive species are some of the challenges facing the largest of the Great Lakes. Scientists gathered at a conference in Duluth to examine and develop ways to face the threats or changes looming for Lake Superior.

Hurricane Katrina's devastation on the Gulf Coast is much in the news these days. What some people don't realize is that in the early 1970s, Duluth had major flooding, causing then President Nixon to declare the city a federal disaster area. We'll learn more about the Duluth flood and what's being done to minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff in this show.

Today we'll meet Leah Ladehoff (LADEEHOF). This lucky lady gets to spend the summer along the North Shore of Lake Superior, interpreting its biology and geology for visitors. Her work is a new part of the Shorelink Program, which is trying to strengthen interpretation and cooperation among organizations along the shore. The Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center Association based out of Schroeder leads the effort.