John A. Downing

Professional Title

Director

Biography

Limnology, aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, fisheries, lake management and restoration, eutrophication, harmful algae blooms, groundwater, biodiversity, endangered species, carbon cycling, global role of lakes and streams
Research, education and science policy
Professor, Department of Biology and with Large Lakes Observatory (UMD)
Immediate past chair, Council of Scientific Society Presidents
Immediate past president, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography

Publications

Google Scholar listing

Videos

Viral Transport, Survival, and Transmission via Freshwater Ecosystems: Relevance to the Social Cost of Water Pollution by John A. Downing. Presented at the April 2021 Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability workshop on the Social Cost of Water Pollution.

Education

Ph.D. - Biology: McGill University
M.S. - Zoology: North Dakota State University
B.S. - Biology: Hamline University

Earth's Eye: Director's Column

May 1, 2021

Social Costs of Poor Water Quality

Image Credit: M. Thoms

Clear, jagged chunk of ice against a dark blue background.

February 25, 2021

Lake and River Ice: Formation and Classification

Image Credit: ©besjunior - stock.adobe.com

Outreach Projects

Aquaculture Market Study

This project seeks to determine the potential for a sustainable food-fish aquaculture industry in Minnesota.

Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative

The Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) is a three-year (2019-2022) project to create a regionwide group to foster relevant, science-based initiatives that support aquaculture industries.

Hypothermia: Understanding and Prevention

History, prevention, kits, rescue, field treatment and more about hypothermia.

Media Mentions

02/05/2021 Program to study potential for food-fish aquaculture in Minnesota BusinessNorth
01/27/2021 Can Minnesota support a sustainable aquaculture industry? Morning Ag Clips
01/27/2021 Can Minnesota support a sustainable aquaculture industry? EurekAlert
12/30/2020 Around the Circle This Week: January 1, 2021 Lake Superior Magazine
08/25/2020 Can the COVID virus be found on Lake Superior beaches? WTIP 90.7FM

News Releases

January 27, 2021

Can Minnesota Support a Sustainable Aquaculture Industry? New Minnesota Sea Grant market study seeks answers

This is one of several food-fish aquaculture projects led by the University of Minnesota Sea Grant program.

October 10, 2019

Public Comments Sought for Minnesota Sea Grant Review

Duluth, Minnesota - This notice invites you to participate in the four-year review of the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program by the National Sea Grant Office.