Life Below Water

A groundbreaking study found that invasive zebra mussels significantly alter aquatic ecosystems, and are associated with elevated mercury concentrations in fish. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses a serious threat to both aquatic life and human health. 

In Minnesota, CBS researchers like Finlay lead efforts to keep drugs such as oxycodone, heavy metals, insect repellent and the like from contaminating the waters we cherish—and waters around the world.

The UMN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Initiative is excited to announce the 2025 SDG Research Grant competition!

If you’re reading this, then it’s likely you’re one of the roughly 40 million people whose drinking water comes from the Great Lakes.

To help stop the spread of invasive carp, a deterrent system will be installed on the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 5 near Winona.

Three-year study identifies conservation concern for native Minnesota fish.

Minnesota’s beloved waters, fish, forests, and other natural treasures are under attack from invaders like carp, spiny water fleas, zebra mussels, the emerald ash borer, and buckthorn. 

Griffin Peck, the Morris Model coordinator, initiated a planning effort to update and expand the scope of our sustainability strategic vision for the Morris community. This work included using the SDGs as a framework as they established new goals and priorities. 

The process of creating policies and procedures surrounding water and soil management is a bit more complex than one might imagine. Ideas are generated to correct water issues all while wondering about why these problems arise and how these policies affect those in every community. 

Great Lakes ReNEW was one of just 10 Regional Innovation Engines awarded from a group of 700 initial applicants, 188 invited proposals, and 16 finalists.