Ice fishing anglers help with Great Lakes research.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of scientific research in the Trump administration’s early days, a new program has emerged to collect crucial data on ice thickness in the Great Lakes region. This initiative, spearheaded by the nonprofit Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), enlists the help of ice fishing anglers and other individuals venturing onto the frozen lakes to provide measurements of ice thickness, snow cover, and other related observations.

The Great Lakes, which hold a significant portion of the world’s fresh surface water, play a vital role in various industries and activities, from commercial shipping to recreational fishing and snowmobiling. While satellite technology can track ice cover on the lakes, determining ice thickness accurately from the air poses challenges. By engaging the local community in data collection efforts, GLOS aims to enhance existing ice modeling and support critical decision-making processes.

Shelby Brunner, a science and observation manager at GLOS, emphasized the importance of accurate ice thickness measurements for ensuring safety and supporting economic activities like maritime transportation and emergency response efforts. The data collected through this program will contribute to refining ice forecasts and enhancing the overall understanding of ice conditions in the region.

Despite the funding challenges and uncertainties faced by federal agencies in the current political climate, GLOS remains committed to advancing its ice data collection program and other projects. The organization, which receives some funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recently secured $5 million through the Inflation Reduction Act to support its initiatives over the next five years.

In addition to the ice thickness monitoring program, GLOS plans to develop a coastal safety app and expand its online platform, Seagull, which provides real-time buoy and subsurface data for various stakeholders. With ongoing support and community engagement, GLOS aims to strengthen its role in promoting environmental monitoring and enhancing resilience in the Great Lakes region.

As the scientific community navigates a rapidly changing landscape and potential threats to research funding and resources, initiatives like the one led by GLOS demonstrate the value of local partnerships and grassroots data collection efforts in advancing scientific knowledge and supporting informed decision-making.

Despite the challenges posed by political uncertainties and funding constraints, organizations like GLOS continue to drive innovation and collaboration in environmental monitoring and research, highlighting the importance of community engagement and data-driven approaches in addressing complex environmental issues.

The Great Lakes region is facing a challenge when it comes to monitoring ice thickness, a critical factor in understanding the overall health of the lakes. With limited information on ice thickness, it becomes difficult to accurately predict ice coverage and make informed decisions. This is where a new community data program comes into play.

Dan Titze, a physical scientist with the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, emphasizes the importance of gathering more data on ice thickness. He points out that knowing the area covered by ice is not enough; understanding the thickness of the ice is essential to assessing the overall ice conditions on the lakes. Short-term forecasts can only do so much without accurate on-the-ground data.

The inspiration for the community data program came from regional ice modelers who expressed a need for more information on ice thickness. Sarah Brunner, the project lead, thought of her father, an experienced ice fisherman in the region. She realized that people like him, who are already out on the ice, could provide valuable insights into ice thickness using their expertise and tools.

The Great Lakes region has seen a decline in ice coverage since the 1970s, a trend that is exacerbated by a warming climate. The community data program aims to gather crucial information on ice thickness to improve ice modeling efforts and enhance predictions. By involving experienced individuals who have been ice fishing for years, the program hopes to collect reliable data that can be used to make informed decisions.

While there are limitations to the project, such as only certain parts of the Great Lakes freezing enough to ice fish on, Brunner is confident that even estimated data on ice thickness will be beneficial. The data collected will initially be used to inform existing ice modeling efforts, helping researchers refine their tools and predictions.

Despite the political diversity of the Great Lakes region, Brunner hopes that members of Congress will recognize the importance of this research beyond party lines. The data collected will be valuable for a range of stakeholders, from water treatment plant managers to the Coast Guard, in making informed decisions and ensuring the safety of individuals navigating the lakes.

Overall, the community data program for monitoring ice thickness in the Great Lakes region is a crucial initiative that aims to fill a significant gap in our understanding of ice conditions. By harnessing the knowledge and expertise of local individuals, the program has the potential to improve ice modeling efforts and enhance decision-making processes for a variety of stakeholders.