U-M researchers raise awareness about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Female scientists from the U.S. and Canada set sail on all five Great Lakes, as well Lake St. Clair-Detroit River and the Saint Lawrence River, to sample plastic debris pollution and to raise public awareness about the issue.

Two U-M faculty members, biologist Melissa Duhaime and Laura Alford of the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, will lead the Lake St. Clair-Detroit River team, aboard a 30-foot sailboat.

Event organizers say eXXpedition Great Lakes 2016 includes the largest number of simultaneous samplings for aquatic plastic debris in history. The all-female crew members on the seven lead research vessels also aim to inspire young women to pursue careers in science and engineering.

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