Water Challenges
01.
Over-sedimentationOver-sedimentation
as a result of enhanced erosion of the shorelines and water systems due to climate change is lowering water quality in the bay. The higher presence of suspended particulates lessens light penetration and can suffocate spawning grounds of waterborne life.
02.
Higher temperatures from climate changeHigher temperatures from climate change
combined with agricultural and septic runoff are a recipe for cyanobacterial blooms, which are toxic to humans and could force closures of the bay if not addressed.
03.
Rapid expansion of the urban core and agricultureRapid expansion of the urban core and agriculture
forces land to be repurposed, which damages hydrological connectivity and can waste precious groundwater resources.
04.
Invasive speciesInvasive species
The delicate balance of biodiversity could shift to the point where sports-fishing is a luxury more than a recreation, and the beautiful scenic environment is overrun with Phragmites, or locked down for conservation efforts.
Spotlight
A must-read report on climate change in Grand Traverse Bay:
The Watershed Center has been striving to protect the environment in the Grand Traverse Region since the early 2000’s. They advocate for clean water and high quality habitats through hands-on projects, and provide in-depth studies of watershed health. They are a member of the watershed alliance, a non-profit organization that represents over 300 organizations over 6 continents, and have constructed a strategic watershed management plan through to 2023.
In 2021, The Watershed Center also released a thorough watershed protection plan, detailing the current state of water quality, biodiversity and the environment. In this report, threats to the watershed were outlined, and suggestions for preparations, outreach and implementation of protection were provided.
Michigan has released a climate plan with directions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Other goals include sustainable environmental management, conservation of resources and wildlife, as well as preparations for climate change threats.
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-plan
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has begun publishing biennial reports on overall water quality, including statistics on: Contaminants, effects on and from nearby watersheds and systems, as well as impending threats and suggested solutions.
Leader in Focus
Hans Van Sumeren
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)
Hans Van Sumeren is the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, Michigan. He has over 32 years of experience across multiple water-related programs and activities at the University of Michigan and Northwestern Michigan College.
Hans Van Sumeren is the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, Michigan. He has over 32 years of experience across multiple water-related programs and activities at the University of Michigan and Northwestern Michigan College. While at NMC he has developed several new initiatives in water-related education including degrees in Freshwater Studies, Water Quality & Environmental Technology, Marine Technology, and an Offshore ROV Pilot Training credential. He has led numerous research projects throughout the Great Lakes and US coastal oceans focusing on mapping and exploration of marine ecosystems and marine archaeology. Hans is the Marine Technology Society – Great Lakes section chair and is also a trustee at large with The Hydrographic Society of America. He is a Chartered Marine Technologist with the Marine Technology Society and Society of Underwater Technology.
Recent publications
Jude D., VanSumeren H., Lutchko J. (2022), First Documentation of Spawning by Deepwater Sculpin in the Great Lakes and Potential Impacts of Round Gobies, Journal of Great Lakes Research, Volume 48, Issue 2, April 2022, Pages 614-619
VanSumeren, H., Hotaling, L., Bailey, E., Slade, J. (2021) Ocean Technology Field Academy – Empowering Ocean Stakeholder for Sustainable Future, https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.55.3.36 (doi: 10.4031/MTSJ.55.3.36)
VanSumeren, H. (2020). Filling the Pipeline: How Northwestern Michigan College building a new generation marine technologist for tomorrow’s workforce. In Hotaling, L. and Spinrad, R. (editors), Preparing a workforce for the new blue economy (pp.433-443). ELSEVIER. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821431-2.00046-9
VanSumeren H., (2020), Peering below the waves – Lakebed 2030 initiative provides a vision for a comprehensive mapping of Great Lakes bottomlands, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, State of the Great Lakes report, PP. 20-21
VanSumeren H., (2020), MTS Journal, Special Issue Lakebed 2030: A Comprehensive Great Lakes Mapping Approach, Guest Editor May/June 2020
VanSumeren H. (2020) Beneath the surface: A deep dive perspective on mapping the Great Lakes, Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Annual Conference, Kalamazoo, MI
VanSumeren H. (2020) Marine Technology at NMC – Student Sucesses and Outcomes, Underwater Intervention Conference, New Orleans, LA
