scuttle
great lakes news
illinois introduces microbead-Free Legislation Have you ever used a face or body wash that contained tiny plastic beads? They may result in a nice, deep, exfoliated-type clean, but apparently they’re pretty detrimental to the environment. They’re called “microbeads,” synthetic plastic particles used as an abrasive in many personal-care products, and they’re now being banned from the Great Lakes. Once microbeads enter the water, they can absorb toxic chemicals and also can be mistaken for food by small fish, according to the watchdog conservation group Alliance for The Great Lakes. The State of Illinois recently passed S.B. 2727, which “prohibits the production, manufacture, distribution and sale in Illinois of any personal-care product containing plastic microbeads.” Illinois is the first state in the nation to propose legislation for microbead-free waters. For more information, visit greatLakes.org. great lakes news
Residents Must Adapt to Fluctuating Water Levels, Experts Say The five Great Lakes have a lengthy history of rising in spring and summer and dropping in fall and winter. Over the years, Great Lakes residents have attempted to tame Mother Nature’s fluctuating water levels; but now, Donald Scavia, director of the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, says we should stop trying to control and start trying to adapt to changing levels, according to a recent article published by the Associated Press (AP). The Graham Sustainability Institute announced in March that it would conduct a survey over the course of year to determine options for dealing with fluctuating water levels in the Great Lakes. According to the AP article, that same month more than 50 Great Lakes policymakers, scientists and advocates gathered to debate the best options for dealing with lake-level fluctuations. Some advocates argued a push for more engineering in Lakes Huron and Michigan in order to build up water levels, while others maintained levels are beyond our control. For more information on the study’s progress, visit graham.umich.edu.
map photo courtesy of noaa ; sandbar photo by tom gill
buzz
NOAA Offers “Print-onDemand” Paper Nautical Charts In 1861, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began using a government printing and distribution system for paper nautical charts. It worked flawlessly for many years, but oh, how times have changed. Charts were being printed in large quantities and sold for a number of years, growing more and more outdated as time passed. NOAA has announced that it is transitioning out of the government-run system and authorized seven private companies to offer “print-on-demand” charts. This will allow for charts to be updated frequently with critical corrections. NOAA will maintain control over the charts, while companies including OceanGrafix, Marine Press and The Map Shop have all jumped on board as printing services. The print-on-demand services will offer customers more options in terms of paper, color and size, all while being more up to date. For more information, visit noaa.gov.
june 2014
The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) in Clayton, New York wants your old boats! ABM will accept donated boats throughout the year, with the intention of selling them for profit to help support museum activities and programs. ABM will sell donated boats via Antique Boat America and at the museum’s annual Antique Boat Show and Auction August 1-3. Those who donate may be eligible for tax deductions based on the sale price of the boat. For more information, visit abm.org.
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LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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