In only three years, Lake Huron went from a salmon fishing Mecca to a ghost of its former self from an aquatic invasive species. The economic loss huge.
James S. Diana is Director of the Michigan Sea Grant College Program and Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) at University of Michigan. He, his colleagues including Elizabeth LaPorte, and students are studying the Great Lakes. They research a variety of natural ecosystems, focusing mainly on native species, particularly pike and muskellunge. Dr. Diana has studied the behavior and ecology of temperate fishes for three decades, working extensively on the behavior and ecology of many temperate fishes, including pike, muskellunge, brown trout, lake sturgeon, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and alewives. They have also developed interests in aquaculture’s potential contribution to the global food supply through the understanding of ecologically sensitive aquaculture practices, particularly in developing countries.
Elizabeth LaPorte is the Director of Education and Communications Services for Michigan Sea Grant. She has extensive experience in developing online education curriculum and managing public outreach, including multi-media communications. She has successfully directed complex and collaborative projects, including award-winning online curriculum about the Great Lakes. LaPorte directs program efforts to extend aquatic science research through the development of educational products. In addition, she has extended program efforts through partnerships with businesses, industries, state and federal government and schools.