The mission of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust is to enhance the sustainability, protection, and understanding of Great Lakes fishery resources in a way that benefits the environment, the economy, and the communities that rely on those resources. Through funding and strategic initiatives, they aim to foster environmental stewardship and ensure the long-term health of the Great Lakes fisheries.
The Great Lakes Stewardship grant focuses on elevating the awareness and comprehension regarding the Great Lakes' ecology among Michigan's residents. It aims to nurture a community that acts as effective stewards and advocates for strategies ensuring the sustainability of the Great Lakes fisheries. The grant supports projects that increase understanding of critical issues at the ecosystem or watershed level, including protecting biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, controlling invasive species, and reducing pollution. Moreover, it emphasizes promoting environmental stewardship through direct encounters with natural resources, particularly encouraging projects that offer outdoor experiences to underserved populations and youth. Additionally, the grant seeks to enhance awareness and accessibility of existing Great Lakes stewardship education programs and resources, aiming to foster networking and knowledge dissemination among educators, scientists, and the broader community.