ARL mission :

The mission of the ARL is to combine education and research on aquatic biota and their associated habitats within the Great Lakes basin to serve the academic, scientific, and public communities.  The specific goals of the ARL are to:

• provide scientific information to further advance our understanding of regional water bodies and issues of concern.
• provide logistical and technical support for faculty and researchers from LSSU and other institutions engaged in freshwater research.
• promote and conduct hands-on training for undergraduate students in freshwater science.
• foster information transfer between scientists and local communities regarding water resources of the northern Great Lakes region.

Arl Strategic Plan

GOAL 1: To promote and conduct research and training for students and faculty in all aspects of aquatic science and practice, including but not limited to, fish culture, fisheries ecology and management, aquatic ecology, limnology, environmental chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

Objectives:

1.1.        Hatchery Operation

• Propagate approximately 40,000 yearling Atlantic salmon and 4,000 brook trout on an annual basis. 
• Explore rearing of other species of fish in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Edison Sault Electric Company for stocking purposes. 
• Provide opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on experience.

1.2.        Fisheries Research

• Conduct research on the ecology and dynamics of fish populations within the Great Lakes basin in order to provide opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on experience, provide information to management agencies, and make a meaningful contribution to the field of fisheries science.

1.3.        Aquatic Ecology / Limnology Research

• Expand research opportunities which support and enhance educational programs in limnology and ecology, as well as provide scientific data to help protect and manage regional aquatic ecosystems.

1.4         Ecotoxicology Research

• In collaboration with the Canadian Forest Service - Great Lakes Forestry Center, maintain and strengthen research and student training opportunities in aquatic ecotoxicology studies of forest pesticides and other potential hazardous chemicals.

1.5.        Environmental Chemistry

• Establish a collaborative relationship with the environmental chemistry laboratory maintained and operated by LSSU’s Chemistry Department. 
• Utilize equipment and expertise to better address contaminant and water quality issues.

1.6.        Senior Thesis Support

• Provide access to ARL facilities, equipment, and/or personnel to students working on their senior thesis research.  

1.7.        Publications and other Professional Presentations

• Prepare and present/submit results of research and other scholarly activities of the ARL faculty, staff, and students.

1.8         Host Lecture Series of Experts in Aquatic Science

• With the hope of fostering students appreciation for what is going on in research and government arenas, a seminar series has been organized entitled, “Chemistry and Life Sciences Lecture Series.” 

1.9         Establish Research Steering Committee for ARL

• Establish a committee that will advise the ARL concerning future research directions in order to ensure proper use of the ARL.

GOAL 2: To provide logistic and technical support for faculty and staff from LSSU and other institutions engaged in aquatic resource assessment and management.

Objectives:

2.1.        Support for Laboratory Classes which involve aquatic and semi-aquatic systems

• Assist and/or prepare exercises which enhance laboratory and field courses available to LSSU students.

2.2.        Research Space and Equipment

• Upgrade and expand existing facilities to better serve present and future needs of the Aquatic Research Laboratory and the LSSU community.

2.3         Strengthen Financial Support of ARL

2.4.        Support for Additional and/or Collaborative Research Projects

• Provide technical support and facilities and biological materials for non-course related research ventures and for non-LSSU researchers.

GOAL 3: To foster interaction between LSSU faculty and staff and the Sault Ste. Marie communities highlighting the aquatic resources of the northern Great Lakes region.

Objectives:

3.1.        Increase Visibility of ARL and Provide Community Outreach. 

3.2.        Develop Educational Program(s) Highlighting the Aquatic Sciences.