fall 2025 • Issue 27

Science & Innovation

Published November 2025

This issue on Science & Innovation showcases fascinating research and emerging technologies shaping the future of the Great Lakes. Learn about the expedition to explore lakemounts in Lake Superior using underwater drones, the use of autonomous vehicles for acoustic fish surveys, and the potential for the ethical use of AI to manage massive amount of Great Lakes data. Other stories cover open data sharing through DataStream, innovative monitoring approaches, including new technology to detect PFAS in the field, and new genetic tools for lake whitefish conservation.

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Features

Integrating technology and collaborative monitoring in the Western Lake Erie Basin

High-tech sensors and community science combine to track water quality and algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

Sensing the future: Building a field-based PFAS detection tool in the Great Lakes region

Wave Lumina develops a portable field device to rapidly detect parts-per-trillion PFAS levels in the Great Lakes region.

Dawn of data sharing: Championing water quality data sharing for Great Lakes futures

Community data improves freshwater health by making water quality information accessible.

A digital partner for the Great Lakes: Navigating the ethical and scientific future of artificial intelligence

An AI‑powered turning point for Great Lakes science.

The future is now: Autonomous vehicles enable enhanced views of fish and mysids in the Great Lakes

24/7 drones uncover new insights into Great Lakes fishes & mysids.

Rising from the abyss: Discovering the role of lakemounts in Great Lakes

Scientists used cutting-edge underwater robotics to explore Lake Superior's mysterious underwater mountains, revealing new insights into geology, ecosystems, and one of the Great Lakes' least explored landscapes.