Great Lakes Observing System
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| Great Lakes Observing System | |
|---|---|
| Name | Great Lakes Observing System |
| Region served | Great Lakes, North America |
| Parent organization | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Environmental Protection Agency |
Great Lakes Observing System is a binational partnership between the United States and Canada that aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated system for monitoring and managing the Great Lakes ecosystem. The system involves collaboration between various federal agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations like the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Commission. The Great Lakes Observing System is part of a larger network of regional associations of coastal and ocean observing systems in the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System and the Northeast Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems. This system is also connected to international efforts, such as the Global Ocean Observing System and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
Introduction
The Great Lakes Observing System is designed to provide real-time and historical data on the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. This data is used to support a wide range of applications, from navigation and recreation to fisheries management and water quality monitoring. The system is also used to track climate change impacts on the Great Lakes and to support research and education initiatives at universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Additionally, the system collaborates with other regional observing systems, such as the Pacific Coastal and Ocean Observing System and the Atlantic Coastal Observing System, to share best practices and coordinate efforts.
History and Development
The Great Lakes Observing System was established in the early 2000s, with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The system was developed in partnership with various state agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations, including the Great Lakes Commission and the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The system has undergone significant development and expansion over the years, with the addition of new observation platforms, such as buoys and gliders, and the integration of new data sources, such as satellite imagery from NASA and European Space Agency. The system has also been influenced by international efforts, such as the Joint Commission and the International Joint Commission, which aim to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Components and Infrastructure
The Great Lakes Observing System consists of a network of observation platforms, including buoys, gliders, and shore-based stations, that provide real-time and historical data on the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Great Lakes. The system also includes a range of data management tools and infrastructure, such as data portals and data warehouses, that support the collection, processing, and dissemination of data. The system is connected to other regional observing systems, such as the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System and the Northeast Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems, through the Integrated Ocean Observing System and the National Data Buoy Center. Additionally, the system utilizes research vessels from universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin–Madison to collect data and conduct research.
Data Management and Applications
The Great Lakes Observing System provides a range of data products and services, including real-time and historical data on water temperature, water level, and water quality. The system also provides data and tools to support research and education initiatives, such as data visualization tools and modeling software. The data from the system is used by a wide range of stakeholders, including fisheries managers from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, water quality managers from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and researchers from universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The system is also used to support decision-making and policy development at the local, state, and federal levels, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Clean Water Act.
Research and Operational Uses
The Great Lakes Observing System supports a wide range of research and operational applications, including climate change research, fisheries management, and water quality monitoring. The system is used to track invasive species like zebra mussels and Asian carp, and to support habitat restoration efforts, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The system is also used to support navigation and recreation activities, such as shipping and boating, and to provide data and tools for emergency response and disaster management, including the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the system collaborates with other regional observing systems, such as the Pacific Coastal and Ocean Observing System and the Atlantic Coastal Observing System, to share best practices and coordinate efforts.
Challenges and Future Directions
The Great Lakes Observing System faces a number of challenges, including funding constraints and technological limitations. The system must also address the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, from researchers and managers to policy makers and the general public. To address these challenges, the system is exploring new technologies and partnerships, such as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and crowdsourcing initiatives. The system is also working to expand its data management capabilities and to improve its data dissemination and outreach efforts, including collaboration with organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the system is connected to international efforts, such as the Global Ocean Observing System and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, to share best practices and coordinate efforts.