The following represents the basic information about this layer on the MOE GIS Portal. This metadata is extracted from what is held in the LIO metadata holdings through M-squared (M2), the Metadata Management Tool.

A direct link for this dataset is available in M-squared.

Dataset Name (MOE Portal): Great Lakes Index Stations
Dataset Name (LIO): There is no LIO base layer.

MOE Metadata Date: Mon Apr 2, 2012

MOE Notes: There are no significant changes from the original dataset received.

Abstract: The objectives of the Index station network are to identify temporal trends in sediment and water quality in the nearshore of the Great Lakes, to use the information in identifying lake-wide or regional changes in environmental conditions, and to establish sites removed from major point-source influences in each of the Great lakes such that the data collected at the sites may be used as a reference when assessing environmental conditions at physically similar sites.
Information on the status and trends of environmental conditions are essential for the management of water quality on local to regional scales. The success of, the need for refinement of, or the continued need for management programs cannot be adequately judged without feedback derived from the appropriate monitoring. Through-time monitoring allows us to identify the onset of anomalous patterns or document changing conditions due to stressors in the environment. An index reference station approach enables us to identify predominating stressors and their potential impacts in areas of the Great Lakes.
An index station is a location which is likely to be similar to any other of a number of locations with common features whereas a reference station is a location which is arbitrarily selected because of some special feature and or where there is a natural integration of the stressors from a larger area such as delta zones of rivers, depositional zones of embayments, and areas where prevailing water circulation patterns focus stressors. Surveys are typically collected in one of the Great Lakes basins (including connecting channels) in each year of a 3-6 year cycle. Approximately 10-18 stations are surveyed annually. Sampling occurs approximately every three years in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie and every six years in Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The shorter sampling interval for the lower lakes reflects the higher level of anthropogenic stress on the lower lakes compared with the upper lakes. The sampling protocols employ standard MOE methodology, thereby permitting comparisons with historical and ongoing data collections elsewhere in the Ministry.
These data are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. MOE assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in any of the datasets contained on this website, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties related to the use of this webpage and all contents including, without limitation, warranties of non-infringement or fitness for any particular purpose

Lab Codes used in the data are identified at: http://www.downloads.ene.gov.on.ca/files/downloads/metadata/Lab_Codes.html

Purpose: The information collected in this project is primarily for input into Great Lakes management programs for the purposes of assessing progress in meeting program objectives and to assess the success of programs designed to restore or protect environmental quality in the Great Lakes. To the extent that the monitoring identifies adverse changes in environmental conditions, the information may be used to respond to changing conditions which may include the initiation of cause-effects research or provide supporting information for the development of remedial actions.

Date of last update: - 2008-01-01

Contact:
Primary: Great Lakes Nearshore Index Station Network
              Phone not provided
              Mary.Thorburn@ontario.ca
Project Manager: Name not provided
              Phone not provided
              Email not provided
Metadata: Mary Thorburn
              Phone not provided
              Mary.Thorburn@ontario.ca

For field descriptions as represented in the LIO version of the data, open the M-squared link and explore the SNIF report.

Link to full metadata: Maintained by LIO M-squared