U.S. Environmental Protection Agency docked its largest research vessel the Lake Guardian along the port authority dock in Rochester on April 12, 2021. Scientists on the Lake Guardian are searching for new species and evaluating the lower food web. Owned and operated by the EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office, the Lake Guardian is equipped with sampling equipment and three laboratories. Scientists aboard the ship collect data to evaluate water quality, sediment and animal and plant life in all five of the lakes. These efforts help scientists to better understand and track environmental conditions and trends in the Great Lakes.
The ship is closed to the public due to COVID-19 but visitors may take photos from the dock. EPA scientists and program managers are available for interviews regarding Lake Guardian activities. For more information, please contact Taylor Gillespie at 872-275-3635 or gillespie.taylor@epa.gov.
