Program Milestones

1963

University of Minnesota professor Athelstan Spilhaus proposes the U.S. Sea Grant college concept.

1966

National Sea Grant College Program funded by federal government.

1975

Minnesota Marine Advisory Service established on Duluth campus with a budget of $35,000.

1976

First issue of the Seiche newsletter distributed.

The Edge of the Arrowhead published.

1977

Lloyd Smith is named as Minnesota Sea Grant’s first director.

The University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program is established and funds four fisheries research projects.

1978

Lloyd Smith dies.

1979

Director’s office founded on the St. Paul Campus.

10 traineeships (graduate research fellowships) made available on 8 projects.

1980

Donald McNaught is named Minnesota Sea Grant Director until 1991.

1981

Institutional status awarded.

Hypothermia suit research stimulates production of three products, grossing $1 million for Stearns Inc., a manufacturer of suits and flotation devices.

Sea Camps draw about 400 children to week-long sessions.

American Indians in Marine Science (AIMS) program begins.

1982

Hypothermia Causes, Effects, and Prevention published.

1983

Lawrence the Lake Trout retires.

Researchers discover a way to freeze fish sperm without damaging viability, greatly aiding aquaculture operations and hatcheries.

1984

Diving reflex discovery changes the way people submerged in cold water are revived.

1985

College status awarded (highest award for a Sea Grant program).

Submersible takes researchers to bottom of Lake Superior for the first time.

1986

First investigations conducted into the legal and economic aspects of diverting water from Lake Superior.

1987

Researchers reveal that atmospheric deposition is a major cause of PCB pollution in water; results used as evidence to ban toxaphene.

1988

New technique improves detection of fish virus.

University of Minnesota graduates receive Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships for the first time.

1989

Genetic engineering using a fish gene offers a way to correct flawed DNA.

1990

Omega-3 fatty acid content of siscowet trout intrigues health experts.

1991

Minnesota exporter processes and ships tons of crayfish to Sweden with Sea Grant help.

Zebra Mussel Information Center (now AIS Information Center).

1994

Michael McDonald is named Minnesota Sea Grant Director until 1998.

Director’s office moves to Duluth Campus.

Biotechnology Risk Assessment examines Minnesota’s ability to regulate genetically modified organisms.

1995

Minnesota Sea Grant goes online with information using the Gopher system.

Minnesota Water Line answers phone calls until 2000.

Teachers learn the multicultural and environmental histories of the region through the Gitchi Gumee Institute.

1996

Biocontrol of sea lampreys show promise as researchers discover important pheromone cues.

Market for Great Lakes sea lamprey in Portugal and Spain demonstrated.

Exotic Species Traveling Trunks become available.

1997

Weevils show potential to control Eurasian watermilfoil.

Treasures Under Pressure workshop unites North Shore residents and agency personnel.

1998

Water on the Web enters classrooms with real-time data from lakes.

1999

Carl Richards is named Minnesota Sea Grant Director until 2005.

Researchers show microorganisms facilitate the carbon cycle and make contaminants more available in Lake Superior’s food web.

International conference on aquatic invasive species draws 400 scientists to Duluth.

2000

Thirty teachers learn new aquatic science lessons through Water, Webs, and Widgets.

2001

Researchers find that endocrine disrupters common in wastewater generate female traits in male fish.

National discussion held regarding managing genetically modified organisms.

2002

Fish genetics work results in Discovery Genomics, Inc., and over $5 million in grants.

Northland Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) is established.

Superior Science for You speaker series sparks conversations and a companion book about Lake Superior research.

DuluthStreams.org launched.

2003

Leech Lake Band gets help contending with Superfund Site clean-up from Sea Grant.

The "View From the Lake" begins bringing outreach aboard the L.L. Smith, Jr.

2004

Financial administration moves from Twin Cities Campus to Duluth Campus.

Responses to pheromones suggest invasive ruffe may be controlled in harbors.

Guided cruises show North Shore residents coastal planning challenges.

Aquarists and water gardeners begin finding Habitattitude project messages nationwide.

Initiative links UMD Education Department volunteers with Great Lakes Aquarium programs.

2005

Experts brought to Duluth to investigate possible causes for steel corrosion in harbor.

Workshop teaches stewardship to lake property owners.

New Maritime Educator position is instated.

Listening to the Lake radio series airs on KUMD and WTIP-Grand Marais.

2006

Steve Bortone is named new Director in October.

Minnesota Sea Grant staff prepare report on Genetic Methods for Biological Control of Non- native Fish for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Great Lakes Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE) website initiated.

2007

Superior Science News, Minnesota Sea Grant's radio series, debuts
on KUWS (91.3 FM).

Ask a Scientist speakers series attracts audiences in Grand Marais and Duluth.

Making a Great Lake Superior Conference is held in Duluth.

Sea Grant provides stream mercury information to protect trout streams and coastal Lake Superior.

2008

First Minnesota Invasive Species Conference held in October.

Scientists find bird and human E. coli in wild fish.

Sources of beach-closing E. coli identified.

2009

Jeff Gunderson named new Director.

The Sea Grant Files and Catching Up With Aquatic Science, Minnesota Sea Grant's radio series, debut on KUMD Radio (103.3FM) .

Twitter posts, YouTube videos, RSS feeds and podcasts become common.

2010

First Genetic Bio-Control Conference in Minneapolis to deal with invasive species.