This project is designed to provide data essential for a comprehensive assessment of contaminant effects on colonial waterbird populations, reproduction (EGG viability, fertility, embryonic…

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 awarded a $209,357 Cooperative Agreement to Calvin University to provide data essential for assessing the impacts of contaminants on colonial waterbird populations, reproduction, and health in the Saginaw River Bay and River Raisin Areas of Concern in Michigan. The research, conducted under the Great Lakes Restoration program (CFDA 15.662), will evaluate the Beneficial Use Impairments related to the degradation of fish and wildlife populations as well as bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems. Key activities include monitoring nest counts, egg viability, embryonic development, chick productivity, growth, and immune response, with coordination and oversight from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project will run from May 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.

This project is designed to provide data essential for a comprehensive assessment of contaminant effects on colonial waterbird populations, reproduction (EGG viability, fertility, embryonic development and deformities, chick productivity), and health (chick growth, and immune response) at the saginaw river BAY BAY and river raisin areas of concern (AOCS). This research will provide state and federal agencies with scientific data in accordance with the guidance for delisting michigans great lakes areas of concern (michigan department of natural resources, 2018) and the international joint commission (IJC 2001) to evaluate the beneficial use impairments (BUIS) of degradation of fish and wildlife populations, and bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems. Clean and positive references in the basin will be assessed for comparisons. Reproductive success will be indicated by counting nests and examining eggs for healthy embryos without deformities. Chick health will be evaluated by growth, weight parameters as well as immune response assays developed by DR. Grasman. DR. Grasman will coordinate and oversee contaminant preparation of eggs not only from study and reference sites but other monitoring locations throughout michigan requested by state and federal partners. Plasma samples may also be used for contaminant correlations. USFWS will consult on all aspects of the study, assist in sample shipment, laboratory contracting, site permissions, report and presentation development, and dissemination of resulting data to management agencies.