Senator Gary Peters

WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator from Michigan Gary Peters to bolster Great Lakes fishery research and management efforts has passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The “Great Lakes Fisheries Research Reauthorization Act” would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center for another five years, helping to ensure that they are able to continue conducting critical research that supports Great Lakes fisheries. In 2019, Peters led the effort to secure this important authorization.

This bipartisan bill now advances to the full Senate amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to drastically reduce staffing at the Great Lakes Science Center, headquartered in Ann Arbor.

“The Great Lakes Science Center helps protect the freshwater fisheries and habitats that are invaluable economic and ecological assets for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region,” said Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to slash staffing at the Center is outrageous and recklessly endangers the health of our Great Lakes, which is why it’s more important than ever that we pass this bill and put this essential program on sound financial footing.”

Activities carried out by the Great Lakes Science Center include:

– Conducting surveys of both native and invasive fish populations in the Great Lakes. This data helps USGS, along with tribal, state, and local partners, to develop effective strategies for protecting and managing fisheries.

– Development of reintroduction plans for culturally and ecologically significant fish populations, which are essential for the long-term health of the Great Lakes.

– Testing and development of technologies that assist in research.

Peters has been a steadfast supporter of the Great Lakes, advocating for policies that safeguard Michigan waters, support local economies, and enhance environmental protections. Earlier this year, Peters introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 to reauthorize and expand resources for the GLRI program, which has carried out the most significant investment ever made to restore our Great Lakes.