Tag: Donté Smith
How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes
By Donté Smith
Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant. As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are building a more sustainable, local supply. Researchers say doing so could ease pressure on wild populations, create jobs in rural areas and help restore public trust in the food on their plates. But with high regulatory costs, limited consumer awareness and strong competition from imports, these farms face an uphill swim.
The post How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.
John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies
By Donté Smith
Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half. To help combat that trend, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, launched its Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program in 2021 to protect the region’s most threatened species.
The post John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.
Empowering environmental stewardship: Barn sanctuary champions compassion and Conservation
By Donté Smith
The Great Lakes, a vital freshwater expanse for millions, face an ongoing environmental crisis. Beneath the vast waters lies a significant threat: pollution stemming largely from agricultural runoff. This flow of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and expanding “dead zones,” jeopardizing ecosystems, water quality and public health across the region. Amidst these challenges, Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan, works to make a positive impact on the region. Tom McKernan, sanctuary co-founder and operations director, wants the farm to stand as a living model where animal welfare and ecological stewardship aren’t just compatible, but linked.
The post Empowering environmental stewardship: Barn sanctuary champions compassion and Conservation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.
How Michigan’s Inland Fish Farmers Cultivate a Sustainable Future for the Great Lakes
Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant.
As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are working to build a more sustainable, local supply.
John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies
Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study published in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half. To help combat this, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan launched its Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program in 2021 to protect the region’s most threatened species.