1. U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Dr. Suzette Kimball Acting Director U.S. Geological Survey Dr. Jacqueline F. Savino Deputy Center Director USGS Great Lakes Science Center Council of Lake Committees Meeting April 15, 2009 USGS Commitment to Deepwater Fisheries Research in the Great Lakes

2. Presentation Summary Suzette Kimball  Overall Budget Outlook  Research Vessels/Safety  Progress Since 2004 and USGS Commitment Jacqueline Savino  GLSC/Deepwater Budget/Working Capital Fund  Research Vessels/Cruises/Safety  Staffing  Progress

3. Budget Outlook  FY09 Interior appropriations bill  USGS - $1.043 b  New program funding for Great Lakes  $0.8 m - geol. mapping in Great Lakes  $1.0 m – general biol. Research in Great Lakes  FY10 – no specifics, but positive

4. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  DOI - $3.0 b  Salazar commitment to “Best Science”  USGS - $140 m  USGS to play a key role in energy, climate  Deferred Maintenance of Facilities - $29.4M Replacement of 2 USGS vessels

5. Replacement Vessels  R/V Musky II - Lake Erie Biological Station  R/V Kaho – Lake Ontario Biological Station  New vessel specs  60-65 ft; state of the art equipment  Built to current safety and fuel efficiency standards  Standardization, duplication between them preferred R/V Musky II R/V Kaho

6. Large Vessel Safety Management System (SMS)  Safety a top priority for USGS  USGS developing a agency-wide SMS based on GLSC SMS  Large Vessel Safety Program Manager  Capt. Tim Cherry - Developed GLSC SMS  Received DOI Safety Award of Merit

7. Progress Since 2004 CLC/USGS MOU signed on May 4, 2004  Improved communication with CLC and Lake Committees  Vessel maintenance and safety  Full staffing (biologists, vessel crew) 2004 MOU Signing

8. USGS Continuing Commitment  We will continue to provide the science information and support you need.  We look forward to our continued partnership as we sign the new 5 year MOU.  We thank you for all your support.