(USFWS and GLRI/Great Lakes Commission funding)

For the 5th year, WGLBBO received funding to conduct offshore Lake Michigan waterfowl/waterbird surveys via aircraft. These surveys are focused on assessing distribution and abundance of waterfowl/waterbirds in the deeper offshore waters, up to ten miles offshore. All data are entered and incorporated in a GIS, with the goal of assisting effective long-term planning for the deployment of offshore wind power installations in Lake Michigan.  Survey data may also be put to use in assessing waterfowl numbers for management and harvest. Final reports for Phase 2 (2013-2014) have recently been submitted.