ANN ARBOR, MI (AP)-- Members of Congress from Great Lakes states want more federal support of research on the region's fish populations.
Legislation introduced Tuesday would authorize continuous funding of the U.S. Geological Survey's Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor.
The center has staff and field stations in Michigan, New York, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. It has five large research vessels and conducts fish science assessments in each lake. It has supported efforts to restore native prey fish and control invasive species such as sea lamprey.
But it's never had its own dedicated funding source in the federal budget.
Supporters say it has been shortchanged compared to ocean science centers.
The bill would provide clear legislative endorsement of the center's work and better opportunities to secure money for updated technology and new projects.
