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.

Not aware they're on Lake Ontario...yet. But if you see one, I'd suggest you put the potato launcher away. They're Salidrones, employed by USCG.

So where's the Lake Guardian? In Lake Michigan: doing survey and headed back to port.

Similar, but farther from Mid Lake and closer to shore. Survey boats much closer to shore.

Similar to yesterday but different in and out:

A little history: In 2022, the Jefferson mapped over 300 Sq miles of the now Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. This included the deep spot and a few ship wrecks. They explored the Lady Washington which went down in 1803 off Oswego. They also found some unknown lake features in both Lakes Erie and Ontario. Some Tidbits: It carries a couple uncrewed drone boats and can sample the bottom from depths of 10 to 4,000 m with remote operated vehicles. They've got some great weather for exploration, and I think sightseers (like "Compromise" and "Meritage) should stay away from them as they have plenty of other things to work on/worry about.

This is really cool! I hope we get to see the results soon. (This morning's viewing) Couple passes in close between IBay & Sodus then out deep for multiple passes then back in, but this time west of the path out. Two smaller survey boats (roughly 40 ft) today. Both made multiple passes in close. Then paths disappear but returns from out deep reappear. Guessing they're in 60-100FOW. It's really good to actually see Federal money doing more beneficial projects for us. (I.E. Prey fish assessment, Lamprey Control, Guardian analysis projects)

So where did the Jefferson go in the last 24 hours? After a couple passes in close it went out deep for a few passes then back in toward Oswego and back to its position this morning. (Must have seen something real interesting out there) Where'd the survey boat go? Made a few passes in close then started to go out deep. But track lost (due to my not upgrading subscription - cuz I'm too cheap. ) Back to Oswego (for gas?) then back to meet up with the big R/V.

Shallower and a lot closer to Sodus this morning with survey boat way out deeper.

Well, it's no wonder that NOAA named a research ship after Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson measured and kept a record of temperature and air pressure from 1 July 1776 until his death in 1826. On July 1, 1776, Thomas Jefferson began recording the weather

After a night on Oswego, back on the job. Happy to see some Fed tax dollars wisely spent. Also a small USGS boat heading west from Oswego. (yay!)