Sep 25: Experts will discuss Lake Michigan and Great Lakes issues at three conferences in Milwaukee from September 29 through October 2. Topics at the concurrent State of Lake Michigan and Great Lakes Beach Association conferences September 29 - October 1 include Lake Michigan fisheries; invasive species; nuisance and harmful algal blooms; climate change; lake water levels; sustainability; progress in cleanups on contaminated sediment; rapid testing methods for beach management; and beach restoration. In association with these meetings, the annual Areas of Concern (AOC) conference will be held October 1-2 at the same location.
The events will be held at the Hyatt Regency and many sessions will be webcast live (See link below). The conferences are sponsored by U.S. EPA, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, Great Lakes Beach Association and many other organizations.
Access agendas, sponsors and information at (click here). Access separate information for the Areas of Concern conference (click here). Access the schedule of conference session webcasts (click here).
Showing posts with label Beaches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beaches. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report
Sep 17: Obama Administration officials released the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report for a 30-day public review and comment period. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of 24 senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The report provides proposals for a comprehensive national approach to uphold stewardship responsibilities and ensure accountability for actions for America’s oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.
Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, “This Interim Report represents a wide spectrum of views and considerations, not just from within the federal government, but from members of the public, local officials, stakeholders and experts from coast to coast. It delivers on President Obama’s request for recommendations that will move this country towards a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes and recognizes that we have a responsibility to protect the oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.” Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said, “America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life. This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter.”
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by Presidential Memorandum on June 12, 2009, to develop a national policy for the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Memorandum charged the Task Force with developing recommendations that include a national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes, a framework for improved Federal policy coordination, and an implementation strategy to meet the objectives of a national ocean policy within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Task Force is charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.
The Interim Report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to ocean resources. Specifically, it highlights three key areas: A National Policy; A Robust Governance Structure; and Categories for Action. The Interim Report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems, that seek to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. These strategies and objectives provide a bridge between the National Policy and action on the ground.
The Task Force is now focusing its efforts on developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning as charged within 180 days. In addition, the Task Force continues its public engagement activities, including holding at least five more regional public meetings scheduled to take place in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Providence, RI; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Honolulu, HI. The initial meeting was held in Anchorage, AK on August 21, 2009. Expert briefings will continue while the Interim Report is available for review and public comment. The Task Force will provide a final report with all of its recommendations later this year.
Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access information on the Interim Report (click here). Access the 38-page report (click here). Access an on-line commenting form (click here).
Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, “This Interim Report represents a wide spectrum of views and considerations, not just from within the federal government, but from members of the public, local officials, stakeholders and experts from coast to coast. It delivers on President Obama’s request for recommendations that will move this country towards a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes and recognizes that we have a responsibility to protect the oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.” Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said, “America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life. This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter.”
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by Presidential Memorandum on June 12, 2009, to develop a national policy for the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Memorandum charged the Task Force with developing recommendations that include a national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes, a framework for improved Federal policy coordination, and an implementation strategy to meet the objectives of a national ocean policy within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Task Force is charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.
The Interim Report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to ocean resources. Specifically, it highlights three key areas: A National Policy; A Robust Governance Structure; and Categories for Action. The Interim Report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems, that seek to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. These strategies and objectives provide a bridge between the National Policy and action on the ground.
The Task Force is now focusing its efforts on developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning as charged within 180 days. In addition, the Task Force continues its public engagement activities, including holding at least five more regional public meetings scheduled to take place in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Providence, RI; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Honolulu, HI. The initial meeting was held in Anchorage, AK on August 21, 2009. Expert briefings will continue while the Interim Report is available for review and public comment. The Task Force will provide a final report with all of its recommendations later this year.
Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access information on the Interim Report (click here). Access the 38-page report (click here). Access an on-line commenting form (click here).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Great Lakes Beach Association 2009 Joint Conference
Mar 25: The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, U.S. EPA, and other sponsors have announced the State of Lake Michigan and Great Lakes Beach Association 2009 Joint Conference, to be held September 29-October 1, 2009, Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, WI. The 6th biennial State of Lake Michigan and the 9th annual Great Lakes Beach Association Conference joint conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, near the famed Riverwalk. The conference brings together elected officials, scientists, resource managers, planners, students, and citizens working to improve the lake and its beaches, as outlined in the Lake Michigan Lakewide Management Plan.
Access further details (click here).
Access further details (click here).
Thursday, October 2, 2008
USGS Reports On Lake Michigan Damage From Hurricane Ike
Sep 30: A release from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that although Hurricane Ike is long gone, its impact lingers more than a thousand miles from where it made landfall. Runoff from tributaries dumped massive amounts of sediment into Lake Michigan, contaminating the water, compromising near-shore navigation and raising E coli bacteria to levels unsafe for swimming. Richard Whitman, a USGS expert on beach health said, "The local effects that Ike had on Lake Michigan's Indiana shoreline, water depth, and water quality have been profound."
While assessing Ike's impact on the lake, Whitman noted that, "The velocity and height of a tributary emptying into Lake Michigan at Portage, Indiana went off the chart. We measured a tremendous amount of sediment accumulation Near Ogden Dunes." USGS uses high tech, state-of-the-art equipment in the lake to measure runoff, the lake's currents, and sediment input during storms. These data are used to forecast whether a beach is unsafe for swimmers. Beaches are subject to high bacteria levels following storms. Heavy rains from Ike significantly impacted northwestern Indiana and Chicago because the ground was already saturated by a stalled cold front.
Access a release from USGS with links to videos, pictures, and real-time data (click here).
While assessing Ike's impact on the lake, Whitman noted that, "The velocity and height of a tributary emptying into Lake Michigan at Portage, Indiana went off the chart. We measured a tremendous amount of sediment accumulation Near Ogden Dunes." USGS uses high tech, state-of-the-art equipment in the lake to measure runoff, the lake's currents, and sediment input during storms. These data are used to forecast whether a beach is unsafe for swimmers. Beaches are subject to high bacteria levels following storms. Heavy rains from Ike significantly impacted northwestern Indiana and Chicago because the ground was already saturated by a stalled cold front.
Access a release from USGS with links to videos, pictures, and real-time data (click here).
Friday, September 12, 2008
Beach Sand Often More Contaminated Than Water
Sep 12: According to a release from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recent research has revealed that beach sand contains high concentrations of E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria, often greatly exceeding the concentration in beach water. Further, there is evidence that beach closings due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria may be linked to these sand populations. Contaminated beach sand, and the complications that it causes for monitoring, are among the leading topics that a group of national experts will discuss in Porter, Indiana at the Great Lakes Beach Association conference on September 16-17.
Richard Whitman, Chief of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, USGS said, "Over the last few years, we've identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively. Whitman was one of the first to describe these high concentrations of E. coli in sands and to link them to high bacteria counts in water.
Beach water is routinely analyzed for E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria to determine whether human sewage is present. When bacteria concentrations in water exceed a certain threshold, beaches are typically closed to swimming or swimming advisories are posted. A potential reason for many of these beach closings, and a complication for monitoring efforts is high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in beach sand. Bacteria are often present in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. Further, bacteria are often re-suspended into the beach water during onshore winds and high waves. The health risk associated with these bacteria is as yet unknown, but preliminary studies are being conducted.
Access a release from USGS (click here).
Richard Whitman, Chief of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, USGS said, "Over the last few years, we've identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively. Whitman was one of the first to describe these high concentrations of E. coli in sands and to link them to high bacteria counts in water.
Beach water is routinely analyzed for E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria to determine whether human sewage is present. When bacteria concentrations in water exceed a certain threshold, beaches are typically closed to swimming or swimming advisories are posted. A potential reason for many of these beach closings, and a complication for monitoring efforts is high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in beach sand. Bacteria are often present in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. Further, bacteria are often re-suspended into the beach water during onshore winds and high waves. The health risk associated with these bacteria is as yet unknown, but preliminary studies are being conducted.
Access a release from USGS (click here).
Monday, May 19, 2008
USGS Announces Major Beach Managers Information Program
May 19: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a new Great Lakes collaborative project aimed at improving information for beach managers when they are faced with deciding whether to close beaches to protect public health. The collaborative effort will draw on the expertise of USGS and other Federal, state and local agencies. The project has been funded through interagency implementation of the President's Ocean Action Plan for $700,000 in fiscal year 2008, and is expected to increase to over $1 million per year for each of the following 4 years. This research represents a broad commitment by USGS to the Plan.
John Haines, USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program Coordinator said, "The strong existing partnerships and scientific expertise needed to address Great Lakes recreational water quality issues made this Great Lakes partnership a perfect candidate to address the Ocean Action Plan and its near term research priorities. This partnership will significantly improve our understanding of the factors related to beach closures, and will provide important new tools and information Great Lakes beach managers need for effective decision making."
Scientists will focus on improving water-quality forecasting by enhancing and expanding models that help beach managers decide if beach advisories or closures are necessary. They will continue work to identify processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of pathogens; identify and evaluate rapid methods of monitoring pathogens at beaches; and improve communication with beach managers. Dr. Shannon Briggs, Toxicologist at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said, "Beach monitoring has raised significant and complex questions. Local beach managers are looking to scientists with expertise in diverse fields to gain a better understanding of their beaches. This effort will enhance our knowledge and improve communication between scientists and beach managers."
To strengthen the partnership, the Beach Health Initiative Steering Committee was formed consisting of key partners that will provide input and guidance on research direction for this project. This committee will continue the communication that began at the joint 2005 EPA, NOAA, USGS and Great Lakes Beach Association Beach Health Research Needs Workshop where beach managers provided input and feedback on the information and decision making tools they needed to assist them in protecting public health at their beaches.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access more information on USGS Great Lakes Beaches research projects (click here).
John Haines, USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program Coordinator said, "The strong existing partnerships and scientific expertise needed to address Great Lakes recreational water quality issues made this Great Lakes partnership a perfect candidate to address the Ocean Action Plan and its near term research priorities. This partnership will significantly improve our understanding of the factors related to beach closures, and will provide important new tools and information Great Lakes beach managers need for effective decision making."
Scientists will focus on improving water-quality forecasting by enhancing and expanding models that help beach managers decide if beach advisories or closures are necessary. They will continue work to identify processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of pathogens; identify and evaluate rapid methods of monitoring pathogens at beaches; and improve communication with beach managers. Dr. Shannon Briggs, Toxicologist at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said, "Beach monitoring has raised significant and complex questions. Local beach managers are looking to scientists with expertise in diverse fields to gain a better understanding of their beaches. This effort will enhance our knowledge and improve communication between scientists and beach managers."
To strengthen the partnership, the Beach Health Initiative Steering Committee was formed consisting of key partners that will provide input and guidance on research direction for this project. This committee will continue the communication that began at the joint 2005 EPA, NOAA, USGS and Great Lakes Beach Association Beach Health Research Needs Workshop where beach managers provided input and feedback on the information and decision making tools they needed to assist them in protecting public health at their beaches.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access more information on USGS Great Lakes Beaches research projects (click here).
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