Our Work
Here’s some of the work we’re doing to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life for current and future generations.
Save the date for Great Lakes Day
Save the date for the 2027 Great Lakes Commission Semiannual Meeting and Great Lakes Day in Washington, D.C., taking place March 2-4. Events will feature dialogue on Great Lakes priorities by regional leaders and members of Congress — learn more here.
2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report is now available online! The GLC’s Annual Report includes highlights and key accomplishments under Chair Mary Mertz of Ohio, Chair Timothy J. Bruno of Pennsylvania (elected October 2025) and Executive Director Erika Jensen. View the report here.
Thank you for joining us in Toronto!
Thank you to all who joined us in Toronto for the 2026 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting, held October 6-8 in Toronto, Ontario. Learn more here!
New database to help prevent online sales of invasive species
The GLC, in partnership with the National Sea Grant Law Center, launched a new tool to help prevent online sales of invasive species: AquaSale, a database of regulations governing aquatic organisms across all 50 states. Read more here.
Great Lakes Investment Tracker
The Great Lakes Investment Tracker is an interactive mapping application developed by the GLC to showcase federally-funded projects in Great Lakes states. Visit the tracker to learn more about investments in the region.
2026 GLC Federal Priorities for the Great Lakes
The GLC released its 2026 agenda for the Great Lakes, calling for continued strategic investment in the lakes, which hold 95% of America’s fresh surface water and provide drinking water for more than 47 million people. Read our priorities and download state-specific fact sheets here.
Coast Guard sail drones will return to Great Lakes in 2027 following 2026 evaluation
The unmanned sail drones that patrolled the Great Lakes between April and November will return in 2027, the U.S. Coast Guard announced. Read the full story by Buffalo Toronto Public Media.
DNR to start whitefish egg collection this month along Lake Michigan
Crews from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be busy along the Lake Michigan shoreline this month, harvesting eggs from lake whitefish. Read the full story by WOOD-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.
Port Milwaukee celebrates record-breaking cruise season with nearly 20,000 passengers
Port Milwaukee is celebrating a record-breaking cruise ship season, welcoming nearly 20,000 passengers to the city in 2026 as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continues to grow as a destination for Great Lakes cruises. Read the full story by WTMJ - Milwaukee, WI.
Great Lakes Commission calls for continued action to address harmful algal blooms and water workforce challenges
Ann Arbor, Mich. – At its 2026 Annual Meeting, held last week in Toronto, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) highlighted opportunities for binational collaboration and coordinated action to protect the Great Lakes and strengthen the region's economy. “The Great Lakes...
The Advisor E-Newsletter: September 2026
The September 2026 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes a reminder to register for the 2026 GLC Annual Meeting, information about recent bipartisan Great Lakes legislation, project updates and more.
2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report includes highlights and key accomplishments from the year under the leadership of Chair Mary Mertz, Chair Timothy J. Bruno (elected October 2025), and Executive Director Erika Jensen.
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GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
WEDA 2027 Midwest Chapter Meeting
April 27, 2026 - April 29, 20272026 GLOS Annual Meeting
November 10Great Lakes Seminar Series: Dr. Tiantian Yang
November 12