March 2015 Real Time News
GLOS Newsletter March 2015
The Great Lakes Observing System needs your help!
To be honest, it’s not just GLOS, but every regional entity that falls under the Integrated Oceanic Observing Systems, or “IOOS.” The appropriations that fund the valuable observing activities that are executed by observing systems on all of our nation’s coasts are up for approval.
Representatives Capps (D-CA) and Pingree (D-ME) are circulating a Dear Colleague letter in support of FY 16 IOOS appropriations. These are letters that members of Congress send to the appropriations committee in support of particular programs. It is important we get as many co-signers on this letter as possible to show strong support for IOOS in this appropriations process.
Please consider reaching out to representatives with whom you communicate, and ask them to keep the our coastlines supplied with the best data for decision makers to use on a daily basis. Alert them to the Capps/Pingree IOOS funding request Dear Colleague, copy found below. Time is of the essence. Signatories must report back by Friday, March 20.
Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System meets
The Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS) held its coordination meeting in Ann Arbor on March 11 and 12. Presentations ranged from behavioral ecology reports to new projects, data issues, analysis and management. The crowd was reminded that fish are not predictable, and that to make informed management decisions the data provide invaluable information.
“One of my takeaways from this year’s conference is what we’re getting from new technology,” said Dr. Chris Vandergoot, Ohio Division of Wildlife fisheries supervisor and conference organizer. “The fish are telling us where they are going and what kind of habitat they are selecting. “
The bi-national conference was attended by students, researchers, habitat managers and technology providers.
IOOS National Meeting, in like a lion
Fitting in between two D.C. weather events isn’t easy, but sometimes things just work out. Once a year all eleven of the regional associations connected with the Integrated Oceanic Observing System gather to review budgets, share best practices, review goals, and coordinate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After two days of productive meetings in Silver Springs and The District, members took to Capitol Hill, encouraging our elected officials to sign on with the IOOS appropriations proposal mentioned at the top of this newsletter.
Special thanks go to GLOS board members Ron Baird and Tracy Mehan for their energy and expertise interacting with staffers in the house and senate buildings. Every meeting was another opportunity to share information about GLOS, and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. People asked good questions and asked to be further informed on GLOS activity.
GLOS is staffing up!
After a staff-lean winter, spring is bringing new employees to the Great Lakes Observing System. Kristin Schrader is heading up communications, joining the organization in the first week of March.
“I’m already seeing opportunities to spread the word about GLOS and the benefits of more complete data,” Schrader said. “In my first two weeks I’ve been to Washington D.C. and to a partner’s annual meeting, and there’s really no way to exaggerate the importance of the information that GLOS and their collaborators provide for decision makers. But I’m going to try.”
Schrader comes to GLOS with twenty years of marketing and communications experience, most recently with the Great Lakes and Atlantic regional office of Ducks Unlimited. In that role she managed communications for the 21-state region, and supported national efforts in issues including conservation programs in the farm bill and increasing outreach to young people.
Kristin can be reached at kschrader@glos.us or at 734.332-6113
Kelli Paige (Executive Director) can be reached at kpaige@glos.us or 734.332.6101
More staff is coming! We’ll meet Andrea Maguire, project coordinator, in April.
