MARQUETTE – Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan, to bolster Great Lakes fishery research and management efforts has passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Research Reauthorization Act would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center for another five years, helping to ensure that they are able to continue conducting critical research that supports Great Lakes fisheries. In 2019, Peters led the effort to secure this important authorization.  

This bipartisan bill now advances to the full Senate.  

“The Great Lakes Science Center helps protect the freshwater fisheries and habitats that are invaluable economic and ecological assets for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region,” said Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to slash staffing at the Center is outrageous and recklessly endangers the health of our Great Lakes, which is why it’s more important than ever that we pass this bill and put this essential program on sound financial footing.”