Investing in Great Lakes Science is critical for safety and prosperity

Abstract

Scientific research plays a crucial role in supporting the safety and prosperity of tens of millions of people who live, work, and recreate in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Cuts to US federal funding, programs, and agencies threaten this research enterprise. As scientists and collaborators at the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, we make the case for the value of Great Lakes research in terms of human health and safety, economic prosperity, and society's capacity to confront major challenges today and in the future. The successful track record of scientific research in the Great Lakes shows that it provides return on investment by protecting and restoring the ecosystem, supporting human well-being, and stimulating a thriving economy. Without this continued investment, the future of the Great Lakes and those depending on them is in peril.