Teachers and NY Sea Grant staff in front of the 180-foot R/V Peter L. Wise Lake Guardian. (Photo: Paul Focazio/NYSG)

LGLFRO Chief, Kofi Fynn-Aikins discusses Great Lakes contaminant issues with the teachers. (Photo: Denise Clay/USFWS)

Biological Technician, Vanessa Pereira holding a smallmouth bass collected during the demonstration. (Photo: Denise Clay/USFWS)

The Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office (LGLFRO) provided a demonstration of fish collection techniques to a group of 16, fourth through tenth grade teachers traveling the lower Great Lakes.  This was part of the Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Great Lakes cruise.  Teachers from New York, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio participated in the week-long cruise, aboard the 180-foot R/V Peter L. Wise Lake Guardian, operated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Fish Biologist Mike Goehle and Biological Technicians Denise Clay and Vanessa Pereira performed an electrofishing demonstration for the group, highlighting some of the common species of fish found in the lower Niagara River.  LGLFRO Chief, Kofi Fynn-Aikins also spoke to the group about the work of the LGLFRO and contaminant concerns in Great Lakes fish and wildlife.