Click to learn more about how the lab works with water levels. Changing water levels can have both positive and negative impacts on water-dependent industries such as shipping, fisheries, tourism, and coastal infrastructure. GLERL research analyzes components of the Great Lakes water cycle to improve models, which are used by agencies and industry to plan for water management and operations. Click to learn more about vessels on the Great Lakes. GLERL vessels provide safe and capable multi-disciplinary platforms to study the Great Lakes by deploying instruments, collecting samples, conducting surveys, and supporting autonomous/uncrewed systems and remote observation stations. Click to learn more about how the lab observes, models, and forecasts Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes. Research using satellite images, remote sensing, buoys, a comprehensive monitoring program in Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Huron, and advanced genetic techniques helps to understand the long and short-term seasonal dynamics of HABs and hypoxia. Click to learn more about research on invasive species. Research on invasive species focuses on understanding how these species impact the Great Lakes ecosystem and interact with other stressors, which informs management decisions that support coastal infrastructure, water dependent industries, fisheries, and recreation. Click to learn more about how the lab observes, models, and forecasts Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes. GLERL and partners develop, test, evaluate and implement emerging technology advancements in data collection, striving to improve NOAA’s observational capabilities to better understand ecosystem processes.
Changing water levels can have both positive and negative impacts on water-dependent industries such as shipping, fisheries, tourism, and coastal infrastructure. GLERL research analyzes components of the Great Lakes water cycle to improve models, which are used by agencies and industry to plan for water management and operations.

NOAA GLERL and its partners conduct innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities.

Research Programs

Ecosystem Dynamics Icon Ecosystem Dynamics: Collects ecological data and conducts experimental research on the ecosystem processes of the Great Lakes.
Integrated Physical and Ecological Modeling and Forecasting icon Integrated Physical and Ecological Modeling and Forecasting: Conducts research to predict the effects of changes on the Great Lakes system.
Observing Systems and Advanced Technology icon Observing Systems and Advanced Technology: Develops and operates technology for scientific observations in the Great Lakes.
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