Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI)
The Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) is a binational effort instituted under the Science Annex of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to coordinate science and monitoring activities in one of the five Great Lakes each year to generate data and information for environmental management agencies.
CSMI's enhanced science and monitoring activities are conducted in response to priorities established by the Lake Partnerships of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Lakewide Management Annex.
CSMI 5-Year Cycle
Lake Erie
- Read about the 2019 CSMI surveys conducted on the R/V Lake Guardian
Lake Michigan
- Read about the planned 2021 Lake Michigan CSMI activities (pdf)
- Read a summary of Lake Michigan 2015 CSMI results
- Read about the 2021 Lake Michigan CSMI benthic survey conducted on the R/V Lake Guardian
- See the interactive story map of Lake Michigan 2015 CSMI findings
- Read the Lake Michigan 2020 CSMI Workshop Report proceedings
Lake Huron
- Read about the 2021 CSMI surveys conducted on the R/V Lake Guardian
- Lake Huron 2017 CSMI results were presented at the 2019 State of the Lake Huron Conference
- Read the results of the Lake Huron 2017 CSMI Benthos Survey
Lake Ontario
- Read about the planned 2023 Lake Ontario CSMI activities (PDF)
- Read a summary of Lake Ontario 2018 CSMI results (PDF)
- Learn More about Lake Ontario CSMI
Lake Superior
What work goes on in one year across the lakes during the 5-year CSMI cycle? Using 2021 as an example:
- Lake Erie – Reporting out from 2019 field year
- Lake Michigan – Field year underway (continuation from 2020)
- Lake Huron – Planning for 2022 field year
- Lake Ontario – Identifying priorities for 2023 field year
- Lake Superior – Field year underway
