LongLine

The only way that could happen is if the GLFC and IFC convinced the Seaway Development Corp and the Canadian Seaway Authority to impose a few % surcharge on transit fees on freighters that is specifically for Great Lakes environmental cleanup. In rough numbers: The typical incoming freighter carries 10,000 tons. (low ball) Transit fees vary depending on type of cargo from $0.85 to $3.75 per ton. So, if we say $1.50/ton (low ball) is typical then the typical freighter has to pay $15,000 for a one-way transit. If the surcharge is 10%, then each freighter would contribute $1,500 per transit. In 2024, 23.6 million tons transited. At 10,000 ton per freighter, that's 2,360 freighters for a total environmental contribution of $3,540,000 per year to support SAVE THE FISH ACT.

Wish DC would get off their fat butts on this one: https://www.glfc.org/pubs/pressrel/2026_Advisors_Urge_Action_Invasive_Mussels.pdf JOINT U.S.–CANADIAN COMMITTEE OF ADVISORS URGES ACTION ON INVASIVE MUSSELS THROUGH PASSAGE OF THE SAVE THE GREAT LAKES FISH ACT ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN— The Joint U.S.–Canadian Committee of Advisors to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (Commission) unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Save the Great Lakes Fish Act of 2025 (H.R. 6053). The Act calls on the U.S. Congress to pass legislation asking the Commission to launch a coordinated effort to find a control solution that could be deployed to combat invasive zebra and quagga mussels throughout the Great Lakes basin. Passed on June 3, 2026, the resolution highlights the severe ecological and economic impacts invasive mussels have had on the Great Lakes over the past three decades. Advisors note that zebra and quagga mussels, introduced through ballast water from ocean-going vessels in the late 1980s, have dramatically altered the food web, reduced populations of key forage organisms, increased water clarity by eliminating vital microorganisms, damaged infrastructure, and contributed to avian botulism outbreaks that have killed tens of thousands of birds. “Invasive mussels continue to fundamentally alter the Great Lakes ecosystem and threaten the fish populations, communities, and economies that depend on these waters,” the resolution states. The advisors contend that, despite decades of research, no effective large-scale control strategy currently exists for invasive mussels and that a coordinated research initiative is urgently needed. .....

Guess they were biting out there:

working out deep today:

They have to be finding something interesting:

In addition to manned survey boats (2903 and 2904) the Jefferson utilizes uncrewed vessels know as DirX. These are identified as "Tugs & Special Craft" on MarineTraffic. Looks like they're using all.

Student driver?

Three possibilities for today's survey: 1. Finally found our Lake Serpent (Bessie) 2. Dam Google Maps! 3. Site of last October's earthquake.

Slow "Troll" back towards I-bay then launched the 1st survey boat on the 19 line. (approx. 135 FOW) Hope the "rag boats" give way.

Well, back to work this morning. Off Braddock's

This what TH2904 has been up to: (Survey boat with Thomas Fefferson) 6/29/26. Currently alongside TJ in Oswego. Jennifer Widdig: On the Front Lines of Charting, June 29, 2026 – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog Fascinating!

I always keep an eye on the sky too. Good time for a "breather" and a recap.

Guess they weren't happy with the first couple trolling patterns so exploring secondary waypoints. () Shallower offshore and deeper nearshore. Survey boats "hugging" shoreline.