Ohio Sea Grant’s partnership with the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) will help more students experience science at Stone Laboratory, Ohio State University’s Island Campus on Lake Erie. LEMTA donated nearly $1,800 to OSU’s Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab student scholarships, thanks to a pledge to give one dollar from each ticket sold on Lake Erie Day of LEMTA’s Cleveland Mid-America Boat & Fishing Show in January.

"Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab have long been recognized for the vital role we play in protecting the lake, improving science education, and enhancing economic development, but we cannot do these things alone," says Dr. Jeff Reutter, Director of Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab. "We need dedicated partners, and no person or group has been a better partner for us than Ken Alvey and LEMTA with time, effort, and financial support. All Lake Erie users owe them a deep debt of gratitude."

As the warmest, shallowest, and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is Ohio’s most valuable natural resource. More than 50 percent of all fish caught in the Great Lakes come from Lake Erie.

"We have always found that the Ohioans who participate in boating and fishing have the greatest respect and appreciation for Lake Erie," says Ken Alvey, LEMTA President and Boat Show Manager. "Ohio Sea Grant’s partners and staff have helped us greatly by educating others about the importance of clean water. I think it is important that we contribute to the researchers so we can preserve Ohio’s greatest natural asset."

Ohio State University’s Ohio Sea Grant program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 32 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. For information on Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu .

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Contact:
Jeff Reutter, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, Director, 614.292.8949, reutter.1@osu.edu.