The Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will host a cooking demonstration and discussion about Michigan fish species at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This is a free event and will feature a panel of aquaculture experts and explore Michigan’s public values of fish using the “4 Fs of Fish:” food, finances, fun, and function.

According to a Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary press release, fish provide food for human consumption, economic benefits or business opportunities, entertainment through recreational and tourism opportunities, and ecosystem services.

The Great Lakes are co-managed and held in trust by eight states, one Canadian province, and tribal nations, according to the release. Combined, the lakes contain more than 20% of the planet’s fresh-surface water.

Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary stated in the release that the lakes “provide essential resources and services to millions of people.”

“Fish play a vital role in this system — not only as key components of healthy habitats and ecosystems, but also as recreational, economic, and cultural resources for communities across the region,” the release stated.

Featured panelists include the following fisheries experts from Michigan Sea Grant:

Meaghan Gass – Based in the Saginaw Bay region, Gass’ work focuses on Great Lakes literacy and hands-on youth engagement that builds environmental stewardship and connecting people of all ages to the Great Lakes.

Elliot Nelson – Nelson is based in Sault Ste. Marie, and his work focuses on youth education including Great Lakes literacy, as well as aquaculture workforce development, coastal tourism development, and tribal partnerships.

Brandon Schroeder – Schroeder’s work is based in northeast Michigan and focuses on fisheries and place-based environmental education that fosters public understanding of Great Lakes ecosystems and working waterfronts, especially near Lake Huron.

Dr. Lauren Stigers – Based in the Houghton/Hancock area, Stigers’ work focuses on state and tribal aquaculture and commercial fisheries, seafood processing, and consumer education.