The office of the Great Lakes is established within the department of natural resources and is designated as the lead agency within state government for the development of policies, programs, and procedures to protect, enhance, and manage the Great Lakes. The office of the Great Lakes shall do all of the following:

  (a) Advise the governor, the director, and the directors of other appropriate state departments on appropriate steps needed to coordinate state policy and state actions on the Great Lakes and to implement an ecosystem approach to this state’s Great Lakes policies.

  (b) Provide representation at the national level for this state’s Great Lakes interests.

  (c) Represent this state before Great Lakes policy development bodies such as the international joint commission.

  (d) Ensure adequate research and staff work to maintain this state’s regional leadership in resolving Great Lakes problems.

  (e) Promote the wise use of the ports of this state and Great Lakes water transportation.

  (f) Promote the Great Lakes tourism industry.

  (g) Advocate the interests of this state in actions, policies, and legislation affecting the Great Lakes proposed in other Great Lakes states, Canadian provinces, Great Lakes policy development bodies, and the federal government.