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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
8th Annual AIS Landing Blitz
Organizations across the region came together to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS) for the eighth annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, June 29 through July 12, 2026. Read more about the Landing Blitz here.
Supporting sediment management efforts
The Great Lakes Commission is launching a new project to explore the management of sediment in the Great Lakes, and the role it plays in restoration, coastal resilience, and maritime transportation. Read more about the new project here.
Sea lamprey population plunges in Lake Superior, decline in most Great Lakes
According to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the number of invasive, destructive sea lamprey is declining in the Great Lakes. In Lake Superior, the Commission said the 2026 adult sea lamprey population declined more than 25% from 2025 and more than 50% since 2023....
Unclear how much oil spilled in Great Lakes waters in 6,000-plus incidents over 10 years
New research has identified 6,453 oil spills of varying size across the Great Lakes. The researchers found that data on the specific amount of oil spilled during most of these incidents is not detailed or does not exist. Read the full story by Michigan Public.
Great Lakes cruising brought $310M to region this year as industry adds ports, ships
The Great Lakes cruising industry continues to grow year after year as more ports and ships are added. This year, the overall economic impact was $310 million which is $10 million more than was expected when projections were announced last fall and $80 million more...
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.
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!
GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
Great Lakes Coastal Symposium
October 26 - October 28National Beach Summit
October 27 - October 30NALMS 2026 Annual Symposium
November 2 - November 6