Supporting our Nation’s Great Waters
The Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC) is dedicated to advancing sustainable industrial, commercial, and public use of the nation’s Great Waters—especially through innovations in green shipping. With a comprehensive capacity for maritime environmental research, the GWRC team brings together experienced scientists and specialists from the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI), the University of Minnesota–Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute, and AMI Consulting Engineers.
Protecting the Great Lakes and Beyond
The GWRC’s primary focus is preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species through ballast water in the Great Lakes and other Great Waters. Central to this mission is conducting type approval tests of ballast-water management systems (BWMS) for U.S. Coast Guard approval.
In addition, GWRC researchers:
- Monitor ship-mediated transfer of organisms within the Great Lakes
- Assess ongoing risks of invasive species spread
- Provide research and data that inform private-sector, state, federal, and international policy work
The GWRC is guided by an external advisory committee representing U.S. and Canadian commercial shipping interests, Great Lakes maritime organizations, environmental NGOs, regulatory agencies, ports, and regional cities. This advisory committee meets at least annually to review and discuss program progress.
Ballast Water Treatment Testing Services
Expertise
- Ship and harbor sampling:
- Biota and physical/chemical characteristics
- Enumeration and live/dead analysis of organisms
- Indicator microbe and pathogen analysis
- Zooplankton, phytoplankton, and protist taxonomy
- Data management and GIS
- Isokinetic (i.e., representative) sampling of ballast water
- Shipboard operational assessments of BWMS
- Culturing and concentrating indicator organisms for BWMS assessments
- Whole Effluent Toxicity testing
Great Lakes Port Conditions Database
The Great Lakes Port Conditions Database (GLPC) is a map-based interface which allows users to find water quality information for shipping ports within the Great Lakes. Data collected from various GWRC projects is updated on a seasonal basis and includes chemical, biological, and physical parameters. The GLPC database allows shipowners and operators to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of Ballast Water Management Systems. It also provides the public and other scientists with insight into local water conditions.
Explore Final GWRC Reports
Access the final reports produced by the Great Waters Research Collaborative. These valuable resources are now available through the Lake Superior Research Institute Collection, hosted by MINDS@UW.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
For more information about GWRC, contact LSRI Director Dr. Matthew TenEyck. We also invite you to subscribe to our GWRC mailing list to receive program updates, research highlights, and announcements.
Partners
