Resolution: Establishing a Regional Association for the Great Lakes Observing System
Adopted on December 5, 2003

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Whereas, establishment of a Global Ocean Observing System has been undertaken by the International Oceanographic Commission, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Council for Science; and

Whereas, the Congress of the United States and the U.S. National Ocean Research Leadership Council have identified as a high priority the implementation of an integrated ocean and coastal observing system that includes integrated regional systems, including the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, the U.S. General Accounting Office has recommended the development of a monitoring system, integrated indicator development, and centralized regional coordination for the Great Lakes Basin that can track overall restoration progress; and

Whereas, the International Joint Commission has directed its Council of Great Lakes Research Managers to pursue development of the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) as one of its primary goals for the next biennium; and

Whereas, such an observing system will directly support and greatly enhance the process of monitoring physical, chemical and biological indicators reflecting a wide range of conditions in the open waters, connecting channels, near-shore and coastal areas of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River system; and

Whereas, such an Internet-distributed observing system will provide "one-stop-shopping for critical real-time data for multiple users, including policymakers, scientists, resource managers, public health interests, enforcement agencies, hazardous substance spill responders, public utility managers, the commercial shipping industry, the recreational use and boating communities, dredging operators, and sport fishing interests, and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission has been designated as the lead entity for compiling and coordinating a long-range business plan for the creation of a Regional Association to implement and sustain the GLOS.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Great Lakes Commission is committed to developing the GLOS Regional Association as a key regional node in the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) initiative; and

Be It Finally Resolved, the Great Lakes Commission will engage its member states, provinces and Observers in the planning and coordination of a sustainable GLOS Regional Association, and invite them to become signatories after the business plan is completed.

Unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes Commission at its Dec. 5, 2003, meeting in Ann Arbor, Mich.