Protecting the Great Lakes Study: Surface diving for hidden treasures!

Diving is a lot of fun. Strap on the tanks, jump in, and explore shipwrecks and other underwater surprises. Once, I even joined a group of divers who found an unmarked ship, and I reported it to NOAA. I can’t take credit for the discovery, but I guess I was the first one to make it official. :) In the Great Lakes, shifting sand sometimes uncovers long-lost ships, which makes every dive feel like a bit of an adventure.

But along with treasure, there’s also junk in the lakes. Protecting our largest freshwater system is crucial, yet people often toss in trash without thinking—tires, plastic, and all kinds of debris. This harms the environment, weakens fish populations, and even hurts tourism. That’s why I fully support lake cleanups and fish stocking by the DNR. Honestly, I’d love to see the return of part-time commercial hook-and-line licenses. It would not only support tourism but also help boost local fresh food production—something we should have learned the importance of during COVID. And of course, most of the revenue should go right back into stocking fish and maintaining the lakes.

You can find some information at  Fish Stocking DNR

Recently, I went surface diving since my friends haven’t been taking their boats out. My “treasures” this time were a spinner and a frog bait—nothing too fancy, but it still felt like a win. Plus, it was a good workout. With a wetsuit, snorkel, and fins, I jumped in and explored. The trick is to stick to spots sheltered from the waves.

You may be interested in this study. When I find junk I throw it on shore or take it with me and put in the trash. If is helpful if you do the same and clean up the parks and beaches and stuff. 

New study: Great Lakes beaches are littered with plastic trash