ABOUT THE ARL

Lake Superior State University’s Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL) is an off-campus research and educational facility situated on the St. Marys River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The St. Marys River is the sole connecting waterway between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, thus making the ARL uniquely located to study a variety of aquatic ecosystems including the St. Marys River, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and inland streams and lakes. 

The ARL is located on the St. Marys River in Sault Sainte Marie, MI

HISTORY OF THE ARL

The ARL was established in 1977 when Lake Superior State University (LSSU) began a cooperative venture with Edison Sault Electric Company (ESE) to establish an off-campus research laboratory in the quarter-mile long hydroelectric plant located on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Two main environmental concerns were to be addressed: sustainability of local fish populations and water quality of the St. Marys River.  Initially, research conducted at the ARL was focused on developing aquaculture techniques for economically important Great Lakes fishes (e.g., whitefish) and monitoring water quality in the St. Marys River.  Initial funding was provided by ESE and LSSU.  In 1984, the ARL began a partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MIDNR) Fisheries Division to produce Atlantic salmon for release into the St. Marys River in an attempt to create a highly sought after sport fishery.  The ARL has reared and stocked an average of 40,000 yearlings annually, and has made great strides in bringing a premier salmon fishery to the upper Great Lakes.  More recently, the ARL began rearing coaster brook trout in hopes of aiding future efforts to restore coaster populations in tributaries of the Great Lakes.  

Today, the Atlantic salmon rearing program continues at the ARL, but activities have evolved and broadened to create additional educational, scientific, and outreach opportunities for LSSU biology students, scientific researchers, and the local community.  Research at the ARL expanded into other areas of freshwater science including reproductive biology of fishes, ecological genetics, environmental chemistry, and ecological assessments.  Research collaborations and external funding support have increased dramatically over the years.  Past project partners and funding agencies include National Science Foundation,  Michigan Sea Grant, Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, US Forest Service, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Canadian Forest Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Purdue University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame.  Non-governmental groups, such as sportsman’s associations, and private donors also provide financial support. The ARL continues to represent a unique collaboration between academic, government, industrial, and community partners dedicated to the natural resources of the Upper Great Lakes region.

The emphasis of the laboratory continues to be on providing LSSU students valuable learning and work experiences along with research opportunities. Access to the lab facility, equipment and support staff directly benefits students enrolled in fisheries, limnology, biology, environmental science and toxicology courses at LSSU. The lab typically employs 10-12 students during the academic year, and 2-4 students during the summer. Many senior research theses, a requirement for graduation, are conducted each year either at the lab or in conjunction with its staff.