Great Lakes Early Detection and Monitoring Program – Data Sharing Protocols

The Great Lakes Early Detection and Monitoring (GL EDM) Program combines traditional fish sampling gears with genetic metabarcoding to detect aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species before they become established, providing an early-warning system. Because the Great Lakes basin spans multiple state jurisdictions, tribal treaty-protected waters, and international boundaries, effective surveillance depends on close coordination between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its state, tribal, and NGO partners. Data sharing protocols are essential to this collaborative model by clarifying data ownership and access rights, ensuring the timely communication of critical data to partners, and establishing requirements for making data publicly available.