Manta Trawl Tested Aboard Inland Seas

During last week's Young Women in Science cruise, ISEA tested a Manta net, used to collect surface organisms and to look for micro-plastics (break-down products of plastic materials).  The Manta net consists of an aluminum frame with welded aluminum "wings" on each side to keep the net on the surface, and a long net with 353 micron mesh size.

Manta Trawl being deployed from Inland Seas

The net is pulled behind the schooner for 30 minutes at 2 knots.  We did two trial runs, one in Suttons Bay and one in the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The Suttons Bay sample consisted of a large amount of midge pupa cases, terrestrial insects, leaf matter and pollen.  The West Arm sample had few terrestrial items, but did contain a lot of material that will need to be sifted through to see if there is any micro-plastic bits present.  The samples were preserved in alcohol and will be given to Dr. Sherri Mason of the State University of New York - Fredonia for analysis.

Manta recovery after 30 minute tow. 

We plan to take Manta net samples throughout June and July for Dr. Mason.  This is part of a larger effort to  describe the implications of micro-plastics on a world-wide basis.

Click here to see Dr. Mason's PowerPoint on plastic reduction ideas.

Click here to see the impact of plastic on Midway Island albatrosses.

Capt. T. Kelly

Natural Shorelines Workshop to be Hosted by Leelanau Clean Water

Natural Shoreline Landscapes on Michigan Inland Lakes

A workshop for property owners

June 26, 2013, 6 PM

Leelanau County Governmental Center

Lower Level

Natural shorelines provide multiple benefits to our inland lakes. Natural shoreline landscaping and bioengineered erosion control techniques can restore those benefits by reducing runoff, deterring geese, stabilizing soils and improving fish and wildlife habitat while maintaining aesthetically pleasing access to your lake. Already have rock or sea wall? Learn how to enhance those structures for the benefit of your lake.

Workshop topics include:

• Healthy lake ecosystems

• Designing natural landscapes on lake shorelines

• Problems with high impact landscape methods

• Use of native plants in shoreline landscapes

• State of Michigan rules and regulations

Workshop hosted by Leelanau Clean Water

in cooperation with the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership



NO COST. FOR INFORMATION AND TO RESERVE A SPOT – CALL 231-256-9812


Learn the benefits of natural shoreline landscaping and erosion control for your lake and property.

Shipwrecks of Sleeping Bear Featured at ISEA Seminar Tuesday

Shipwrecks Off Sleeping Bear Point

Inland Seas Education Association is excited to present Ross Richardson, author, historian, shipwreck hunter and diver as the June Great Lakes Seminar Series presenter. Richardson will explore the legend and history of shipwrecks, including three recently located, uncharted wreck sites off Sleeping Bear Point.

Sleeping Bear Point is in the heart of the Manitou Passage, one of the deadliest stretches of water in the Great Lakes. This area was a threat to any sailing vessel who dared venture between her and the islands just offshore. There lies a graveyard of shipwrecks in the sand beneath Sleeping Bear Point’s treacherous waters, which is where we will go for this seminar.

Where: ISEA’s Education Center

100 Dame St. Suttons Bay

When: Tuesday June 11th at 7:00pm

Free and open to the public

Please contact 231.271.3077 with any questions

Re-Fit of ISEA's Motor Whaleboat Nearing Completion

Work continues on ISEA's ex-Navy motor whaleboat Lake Sturgeon. We are installing the new oak rub rails this week.  The rails were built for us by George Powell and Bruce Lehmann at their shop in Suttons Bay.  We still have a lot to do before our final US Coast Guard inspection, so if you would like to help contact Tom Kelly or Chuck Dickerson at 231-271-3077. 

George, Bruce and Tony trial-fit the new rub rails

Installation today.  Ben Clark, new ISEA Intern, is assisting Bruce and Chuck Dickerson.

Ben, Chuck and Jerry Battle. 

------Tom K.