Go Take A Hike!
April 2025
Go Take a Hike!
Literally. Movement is good for us in so many ways, this space is not large enough to get into them all. It is estimated that around 60 million people in the U.S. will indeed “take a hike” in some form or other each year.
Physically, the health advantages include enhanced musculoskeletal (say that three times fast! ) health, which is also connected to better balance and coordination. Aspects of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and bone density may be improved. Hiking presents the opportunity to strengthen cardiac muscle as well as lung tissue. Many additional benefits may be captured that help address blood factors and even potentially help support cancer prevention due to overall health conditions.
The mental benefits are there also in many cases, perhaps unmatched by many other forms of exercise. Outdoor hiking can help with decreased levels of anxiety or depression...relating to a bigger perspective and freedom from repeated sources of stress. One study indicated that a 30 minute hike may reduce stress hormones by up to 28%! There are some indications that hiking may improve cognition , memory function, and problem-solving skills.
The great thing about Michigan is that we have the best beaches in the world (say I!), and other shoreline areas, fields, and forests to explore. One of the aspects of walking beaches specifically as I do, is that you can further exercise your leg, ankle, and foot muscles via the “give” of the sand beneath our feet and between our toes. I walk hundreds of miles of beaches each year, and for me, the walk is invigorating in many ways each time.
Come, walk a beach with Mike! ( see the “Events” tab here for some upcoming opportunities or reach out via email to suggest a walk together.... info@seamichigan.com).
Where I like to be!
Invasive Species Feature: Sea Lampreys
Sea lampreys are a prehistoric, jaw-less, parasitic fish. There are four species of the lamprey that are native to the great lakes...these tend to be much smaller in size, as compared to the sea lamprey. The invasive sea lamprey species ( Petromyzon Marinus) can be 2-3 feet long, originated in the oceans, and made their way toward the Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence seaway. Once the locks were built near Niagara Falls, the sea lamprey was able to enter the Great Lakes, with the first recorded siting in Lake Erie being in 1921. Eventually they made their way to the rest of the Great Lakes, and were sited in Sea Michigan around 1936.
So what? Well, they have turned into the highest impact aquatic/fish invasive species that is known. They at one time were killing approximately 100 million pounds of fish, annually! As a parasite, the adults strictly survive by attaching themselves to a fish with barbed teeth, gnawing through the scales and flesh with their claw-like tongue...to suck the blood from it’s host fish. Their sense of smell is extraordinarily well-developed. Such sea lampreys may be attached to a fish (typically large lake trout, salmon, whitefish, etc.) from two weeks to two months...when the host fish dies. Then, they seek out another host fish...killing on average 40 pounds of fish in their adult active 12-18 month timeframe.
The sea lamprey life cycle involves spawning that takes place in tributary rivers and streams. The larva may then spend 3-10 years in that spawning bed, embedded into the mud, and surviving on sifting nutrients in the passing water. Each female may produce up to 100,000 eggs, with 10% or 10,000 of those surviving as larva! The larva are born without eyes, teeth, or fins. They then emerge, and migrate to the lakes, evolving their body and size. They are boneless and slippery! Typically in summer as an adult, they will spend around 9 months feeding on fish, before they migrate the following spring to spawn. Typically they do not feed during the coldest part of the winter, however. And, they only prey on cold-blooded hosts...typically fish. After a typical spawning period of March-July, the adults naturally die.
There are a number of efforts that have been taken to reduce their populations. The main method is well-timed use of a lampricide chemical (“TFM”) that is dispersed in the streams via controlled methods by the DNR, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and other organizations. There were 5200 chemicals tested before TFM delivered a targeted impact primarily on this single species. 90 percent of the species have been irradicated, yet it demands continuous efforts to control the population. Additionally, a variety of fish pass systems, eel ladders, etc. have been used to physically catch the Sea Lamprey...and more designs are being tested.
March 2025 Note!: Under these consistent and effective control efforts to reduce the population by 90%, the sea lamprey still kills about 12 million pounds of fish annually in the Great Lakes. With recent federal administration's “blind and ignorant” budget cutting at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department staff for example, our lakes will see some degree of resurgence in the Sea Lamprey. This will likely impact the fishing industry in the hundreds of millions of dollars....and our natural habitat...for multiple years. As Forest Gump’s mother said: “Stupid is as stupid does”.
Attached Sea Lamprey
Weather Forecasting is Improving!
January 2025
Yeah, right...you may be thinking.
There’s a growing amount of data that says just that, and we are about to experience it! ;o) Weather forecasting is information that many of us pursue/receive on a frequent basis....whether (ha ha !) that is via repeated injections into most newscasts on TV and radio, or a multitude of online sources. And, I’ll bet that most of us have one or more weather apps on our smart phone. (do we call them “smart phones” anymore?).
A typical 10 day forecast, according to NOAA.org, is right about half the time. Well, 50-50 odds are great in gambling, but not for living out in the weather! NOAA too has been advancing with it’s modeling, claiming to be now twice as accurate as the frequently used European Model. The Weather Channel and also Apple’s Weather app seem to be advancing, yet have varying levels of accuracy. Forecasts have been generally good up to 7 days out, and beyond that it clearly declines. The newest modeling appears to increase that accuracy over the extended period
GenCast ( https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/gencast-predicts-weather-and-the-risks-of-extreme-conditions-with-sota-accuracy/ ) has used an AI-supported model, applying actual data over the past 40 years...to generate forecasts potentially twice as accurate as most of us are used to. And, it generates the forecasts much quicker than current model forecasts. GenCast is collaborating with a variety of weather forecasting organizations to collect and analyze the data.
There are many evolving factors impacting weather, and most broadly- climate change- tends to be a significant driver in forecasting accuracy. Micro-climates...water, mountains, large fires, etc...also add some unpredictability to more localized forecasts. Just imagine the positive impact of better weather predictions would have on disaster preparation, wind power placement, maritime, travel planning, and those of us who walk beaches. ;o)
South Haven's South Beach-Nov 2024 -Ricco
Global CO2 Trend Data
Global CO2: 64 year trend
I like charts and I especially like trend lines for telling a story and inciting action (hopefully). The chart at the right should stir concern by everyone. Will it stir your action?
For those of us that have been around since 1990, that is when we last saw the "safe" level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere! As we can see, the growth trajectory has been steady, with no real improvement in slowing the growth rate. One might deduce however, that with the growth in population, at least the rate of increase has not expanded exponentially, indicating that some positive impact has been achieved to offset population growth. Not nearly enough.
Consider how we might individually and collectively address this increasingly severe reality in what we do, buy, and use. How might we impact this via our companies and organizations? What public policies will we support and enforce? This may be the most important step we can take for all current young, and coming generations.
Source: NOAA.org
NOAA.org
Those are not Seagulls!
Those Are Not Seagulls
I’m no ornithologist, that is for sure. Yet, I have a great appreciation for nature and especially that here in Michigan and at/near Sea Michigan. And nearly everyone (except ornithologists!) call the birds we commonly see along the Lake Michigan shoreline ...seagulls. While I have trademarked the name “Sea Michigan”, much to my chagrin...these are not seagulls. Seagulls is a broad brush name that has been generously applied to a variety of birds.
They are gulls.
There are over 50 varieties of the species Laridaeacross the world, on every continent. What do we call a flock of gulls?...well, let’s start with “flock”, but other terms that are used are “colony”, a “scavenging”, “pack”, “flotilla”, “screech”, “swoop”, or a “squabble”. Have fun and take your pick.
There are multiple varieties of gulls that live or migrate through Michigan. A common variety that is seen on Sea Michigan (confusing right?) is the Herring Gull (Larus Argentatus).
The Herring Gull can grow to be up to 26 inches, with a wingspan of up to 57 inches. They are mostly white, some light gray feathers, black wing tips, yellow eyes, dull pink legs, and always appear well-fed due to their “full structure” shape. They eat a wide variety of items, either from the water or on land.
Another common variety almost always spotted here along Sea Michigan is the Ring-billed Gull. (Larus Delawarensis) They largely differ via having the distinctive black ring toward the end of the bill, yellow legs, and are roughly 10-20% smaller than the Herring Gull. Ring-billed Gulls are more likely to be seen inland, yet will also explore the coast. They have a strong sense of where they were born, and return to their original nesting place typically, each year. I see a lot of these ring-billed gulls on walks along the shoreline. The time of the year seems to impact there presence to some extent.
So to recap, yes there are gulls on/near Sea Michigan, but no seagulls per se!
Ring-billed gull (Grand Traverse Bay)
Electric Beach Clean Up: You saw it here first, folks!
Electric Tractor Tested for Beach Clean Up
September 12, 2024
This week at South Haven’s North Beach, a new T4 New Holland electric tractor was being tested for the first time in the beach “raking/filtering” process. Prior to this, diesel tractors have been used. This hopefully will pave the way to more use of electric processes to clean up beaches on Sea Michigan. (A much smaller capacity electric/solar traction/rake system is used in some other locations...for example by GVSU’s Annis campus in Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach... and I will present that option as well in another science post).
The unit has 74 horsepower and a 95 Kilowatt storage capacity. An informed source indicated that the tractor could run in this mode for about 2+ hours before needing to be charged. That means a larger beach like North Beach is clearly within a single charge, and multiple smaller areas could be done on a single charge.
So what? Well, based upon my observation, the tractor ran quieter than a diesel, 4 wheel traction capabilities seemed to be good (a huge challenge in our beautiful sand beaches!), and of course...no diesel exhaust and fumes! Over the long-run, the total environmental impact should be significant, considering that many of the popular Sea Michigan beaches are raked about every other day during the summer. Also, the noise pollution aspect is reduced. So, the collective environmental impact is taking a leap forward. And that updated cab design no doubt offers a very comfy air conditioned environment for the machine operator! ;o)
The Barber Surf Rake that is being used here is considered a dependable option for large surf areas, and runs relatively quiet also, at under 79 dB according to it’s manufacturer. It's performance surprisingly is good, in picking up relatively small pieces of litter, yet there is no mechanical solution yet for micro-plastics.
So, you saw it here first at Sea Michigan, folks! No doubt this equipment is very expensive, yet municipalities need to seriously consider these options...especially when your local economy is driven by tourism and the experience that is presented for locals and tourists alike.
Electric tractor being tested in South Haven
UV Awareness Month
July 2024
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a challenge to manage as we are often out in the sunlight more during the summer (although the rays are there year round!). UV rays do play a role in our skin making vitamin D naturally, yet that vitamin can be accessed via our diet choices or alternatively, supplemental pills too.
Multiple sun exposure collective factors matter, including:
- Location: how close to the equator are you? Here in Michigan, we are in the low to mid 40’s, so not nearly as intense as it is near the equator...yet still quite potent!
- Altitude matters: at higher altitudes, more rays reach the ground. (If you have ever gone skiing in the Rockies, you will experience the difference from Sea Michigan level.
- Seasonality: Michigan’s spring and summer experience the stronger UV rays. Longer days, longer exposure automatically.
- Time of day: the rays are strongest between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Clouds: their filtering ability varies widely...yet the UV rays still get through them.
- Reflective attributes: UV rays do bounce from surfaces, especially water and snow, yet also often many different surfaces even with low reflection qualities.
- Air content: Ozone at higher altitudes does filter some rays. Other conditions such as potentially the Canadian wildfire smoke in 2023 limited some of the rays getting through.
- Individual skin condition: individuals can have difference tolerance/processing abilities of sun rays based upon individual health make up.
Preplanning your day as to what can be done to manage exposure, turns out to be critical:
- Manage your sun exposure intentionally. Shade is good, yet you still enjoy the outdoors!
- Make it a daily habit to put on sunscreen, at least during the summer. Always use UVA plus UVB blocking sunscreen. Water resistance is a good consideration.
- Clothes that have the ability to block sun rays is generally labeled for that purpose.
- Cover arms and legs too, even though t-shirts and shorts are the ultimate in comfort in warm weather. Consider long-sleeve shirts in the mid-day hours, and short-sleeve shirts in the morning and late afternoon/ evening.
- Wear a hat: wide brims do more for you than short brims.
- Protect your sensitive eyes...you only get two. Here too...UVA and UVB blocking ability.
In a coming article, we will address the UV Index that is used as a broad guide to exposure risk.
Sunshine!
Plastic Pollution– must it be the future?
May 2024
Plastic is polluting the world’s water and land. This will be one of several posting related to this subject, given it’s great importance and unfortunate durability. We can all make a difference in addressing this challenge.
In April 2024, the Alliance for Great Lakes (Greatlakes.org) published their report “20 Years of Great Lakes Litter Data”. I urge you to go to their website to read more about it.
Here are some highlights from that report:
- 86% of trash collected via AGL annual series of beach clean-up efforts is plastic, or includes plastic.
- Since the beginning of this beach clean-up effort, over 9.7 million pieces of litter have been collected, representing nearly 270 tons removed from the shoreline.
- The Great Lakes is the source of drinking water for over 40 million people, and of course as plastic continues to break down into microplastics, it’s invisibly in the water.
- “Tiny trash” has later been added as a category, indicating the importance that plastic breaks down into small components, yet is still there and represents the same challenge. 40% of trash collected is less than 2.5 (less than an inch) in size.
- Plastic pieces have risen to the top of the list of trash items collected. The top 10 areas of content in order, collected over the past 10 years are: plastic, cigarette butts, foam pieces, plastic bottle caps, food wrappers, cigar tips, glass pieces, straws/stir sticks, beverage bottles, and metal bottle caps.
- Industrial plastic production materials and components also prevalent on the shoreline and in the water.
You too can join the AGL organized Adopt-a-Beach clean ups....go to my “Events” tab on this Sea Michigan website for dates that I will also be participating in....come join us!
Litter on the Beach
Record Low Ice Coverage on Sea Michigan
March 2024
As another severe sign of climate change and other weather pattern factors, Sea Michigan (aka Lake Michigan) has experienced record low ice coverage levels this winter. This is essentially true for all of the Great Lakes in this 2023-2024 winter season.
See the 50 year trend chart via this link from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration):
https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/glicd/AMIC/Michigan.png
This month, Sea Michigan ice coverage was approximately 2.7%...nearly off the chart above, that showed somewhat common coverage of 20% in many years. Of course, each year is different, bringing highs and lows...but this is a true record low winter season. On average, the maximum ice coverage has seen a decline of approximately 5% per decade...approximately a 25% collective decline since 1973.
Ice coverage normally peaks in late February or early March. The lack of ice coverage can impact multiple factors:
- Ice coverage would minimize the amount of sediment deposited close to the shore. The lack of ice thus allows more sediment to be deposited near ports, that will likely drive the need for dredging sooner than it would normally needed. This in turn drive a significant cost factor of the dredging operations.
- With no ice coverage at all at the shoreline, the winter winds can cause more beach erosion.
- With less ice, that subsequently is melted sooner, the water temperatures are likely to be warmer, sooner this year. This can impact fish and other species to have irregular activity cycles. Some conjecture that this may impact fish spawning timing. Fish that normally seek the cooler water layers in Sea Michigan, may be seeking deeper habitat this year.
- Less ice coverage can cause greater evaporation levels if the warm water periods are extended.
Recent outlooks for March are that air temperatures will be above average, and thus by the end of this February’s leap year day, we will have already seen the last of the ice on most of Sea Michigan, other than at the northern-most areas.
It’s more than ice fisherman that should be saying “Let there be ice!”
Ice build up
Collective Great Lakes Overview
January 2024
For some perspective, here is some data on the collective five great lakes. Elevation of the water is pretty much “all down hill” from Lake Superior at the highest, and Sea Michigan plus Lake Huron keenly linked and thus approximately at the same elevation, dropping slightly into Lake Erie, and then Niagara Falls being the significant factor producing a 326’ drop into Lake Ontario.
Sea Michigan is the second deepest water, behind Lake Superior.
All of mankind must hopefully appreciate that these bodies of water represent 20% or more of the world’s surface freshwater!
Check out this content on the Michigan Sea Grant website:
https://www.michiganseagrant.org/topics/great-lakes-fast-facts/
The Great Lakes