S6 E10: What Lies Beneath: Lake Superior’s Underwater Cleanup – With Diver Don Fassbender

Lake Superior is not only the largest of the Great Lakes, but the water quality is also some of the clearest. Yet, historically, the Lake was often a dumping ground for all kinds of debris.  "Out of sight, out of mind” was an all-too-common mindset. Don Fassbender, president of Great Lakes Scuba Diving and Lake Preservation, has made it his life's mission to clean up Lake Superior’s underwater world. With volunteers, including fellow divers and kayakers, he estimates 14 tons of tires have been hauled up from Marquette MIchigan's Lower Harbor. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Don about how his mission started and the mysteries he's found below the surface. 

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

A Lifelong Passion for Diving Inspired by Jacques Cousteau

“As a young man, I can recall racing home from school just so I wouldn't miss the undersea world of Jacques Cousteau.”

Vintage Diving Equipment Connects Divers More Intimately with the Water

“There's actually less things that can go wrong... Vintage kit would look like a tank, a regulator, some fins, maybe a wetsuit and a mask, and then you're off. No computers, no fancy gauges.”

Tons of Trash are Hidden Beneath Lake Superior

“We removed, what, 14 tons of tires out of Marquette Lower Harbor alone over a period of about five years. And there's still a lot of trash down there.”

Removing Underwater Debris is Complex and Laborious

Heavy items, poor visibility, and underwater hazards make cleanup efforts extremely challenging.

Why Tires are Prevalent in Lake Superior

“Tires were used as boat bumpers for years and years…as weather wears them down…they would just string another one up in its place.”

Community Involvement is Essential for Successful Cleanups

Volunteers on land, in boats, and even kayaks significantly contribute to cleanup missions.

Safety and Equipment Needs Drive Fundraising Efforts

Specialized gear and safety equipment are critical for diver safety and efficiency.

Surprising Finds Beneath the Surface Tell Unique Stories

“One of my favorite finds, a little diamond ring that was tied to a rock with a shoelace.” Every item retrieved from Lake Superior carries its own history, some humorous, some mysterious.

Resources:

• Great Lakes Scuba Divers
  • https://greatlakesscubadivers.com
• Connect with Diver Don on Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/DiverDonScuba
  • https://www.facebook.com/GreatLakesScubaDivers
• Contact Don directly with cleanup leads
  • Email: [e-mail]

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
  • Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
  • https://nplsf.org/donate

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Diver Don Fassbender share firsthand experiences from beneath Lake Superior’s waters, the incredible teamwork required for environmental preservation, and how you can help protect the Great Lakes.