Microplastics Expert to Keynote Freshwater Summit Oct. 30

The Freshwater Summit is an annual conference of environmental professionals and concerned citizens focusing on current issues facing the Great Lakes region. The next Freshwater Summit will be held Oct. 30, 2015 at the Grand Traverse Resort as part of the 9th Biennial State of Lake Michigan/15th Annual Great Lakes Beach Association Joint Conference.

When: Friday, October 30, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Grand Traverse Resort

Visit almost any beach in the Grand Traverse region and you’ll find pieces of plastic. Pieces both large and small are affecting the Great Lakes ecosystem. Microplastics (plastic beads, fibers, pellets and other pieces generally less than 5mm in size) are of particular concern because they absorb pollutants and their small size makes them easily ingestible.

Prof. Sherri Mason, one of the premier researchers of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, will present a keynote address on “Microplastics in the Great Lakes” and then participate in an expert panel discussion on the topic at this year’s Freshwater Summit, which focuses on current issues facing the Great Lakes, on Oct. 30.

Panelists include Melissa Duhame, Research Scientist at the University of Michigan; Tom Hoellein, Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago and Jeannie Williams, Lead Scientist and Education Coordinator with Inland Seas Education Association.

Other topics to be covered at the Freshwater Summit include Great Lakes evaporation, Great Lakes coastal wetlands and local research and restoration projects.

 

Read more about the Freshwater Summit and registration