Join us for a lively discussion and tasty cooking demonstration to celebrate a shared love for Michigan fresh fish.

This free event will feature a panel of aquaculture experts and explore Michigan’s public values of fish using the “4 Fs of Fish:”

• Food
• Finances
• Fun
• Function

In other words, fish can provide value as food for human consumption, can provide finances through economic benefits or business opportunities, can provide fun with recreational and tourism opportunities, and can function within nature to provide ecosystem services.

The Great Lakes are co-managed and held in trust by 8 U.S. States, 1 Canadian province, and multiple Tribal Nations. Containing more than 20% of the planet’s fresh surface water, the Lakes provide essential resources and services to millions of people. Fish play a vital role in this system- not only as key components of healthy habitats and ecosystems, but also as recreational, economic, and cultural resources for communities across the region.

Featured panelists include:
Meaghan Gass – based in the Saginaw Bay region of Michigan, her work focuses on Great Lakes literacy and hands-on youth engagement that builds environmental stewardship, connecting people of all ages to the Great Lakes.

Elliot Nelson – based in Sault Ste. Marie, his work focuses on youth education including Great Lakes literacy, as well as aquaculture workforce development, coastal tourism development, and tribal partnerships.

Brandon Schroeder – based in northeast Michigan, his work focuses on fisheries and place-based environmental education that fosters a deeper public understanding of Great Lakes ecosystems and working waterfronts, especially near Lake Huron.

Dr. Lauren Stigers – based in the Houghton/Hancock area, her work focuses on state and tribal aquaculture and commercial fisheries, seafood processing, and consumer education.