New NOAA Great Lakes Research Laboratory & Acting Director

Jan 7: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a larger facility to focus on Great Lakes issues opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Pittsfield Township, MI. Richard Spinrad, NOAA assistant administrator for oceanic and atmospheric research said, “GLERL starts the new year with a new building. This laboratory is a leader on many Great Lakes issues, such as invasive species, lake levels, and the use of biofuels for its research ships. In its new space, the laboratory will expand its efforts to serve the Great Lakes region through research and partnerships.” Spinrad also announced Marie Colton as the acting director of the lab and acting lead of the NOAA Great Lakes regional team. She succeeds Stephen Brandt who is leaving Michigan to be the director of Oregon Sea Grant in Corvallis, OR.

The new 40,225 square-feet facility has modern wet and dry laboratories, conference facilities, a library, marine instrumentation shop, and office space to accommodate about 120 federal and cooperative institute employees. NOAA will lease the building for 20 years. Office and laboratory space will also be provided to partner organizations, including Michigan Sea Grant Extension, The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research, the International Association for Great Lakes Research, the NOAA National Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health, NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species, and the Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Office.

Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access the GLERL website for more information (click here).