Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act of 2017

Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act of 2017

This bill authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct critical monitoring, scientific assessments, and research in support of fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin between the United States and Canada.

In support of the fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center shall: (1) execute a comprehensive, multi-lake, freshwater fisheries science program; (2) work cooperatively with regional, state, tribal, and local governments; and (3) consult with interested groups, including academia and Canadian agencies.

To protect and improve the Great Lakes, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center may provide:

• deep-water ecosystem research,
• fish behavior and habitat reports,
• fish population assessments,
• invasive species research,
• use of biological equipment and laboratory capabilities necessary to support fishery management decisions, and
• studies that assess impacts on Great Lakes Fishery resources.