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COOPERATIVE INSTITUTE FOR LIMNOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH University of Michigan 2038 Dana Building 440 Church Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041 734-763-3010 Dr. Edward Rutherford, Director http://www.ciler.snre.umich.edu

Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research

Established in 2007, the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER) conducts collaborative research through a ten-member consortium of academic institutions in the Great Lakes region. CILER is comprised of Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, State University of New York-Stony Brook, University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Toledo, and University of Wisconsin. CILER is administratively housed at the University of Michigan. A previous institute by the same name existed exclusively at the University of Michigan from 1989 to 2006, though was more limited in geographic and scientific scope.

CILER conducts research across six scientific themes: (1) Great Lakes Forecasting - Develop forecasts for physical hazards, water levels, harmful algal blooms, and fish recruitment and production; (2) Invasive Species - Combine effective research, management, and outreach programs in the region to help reduce the prevalence and impact of invasive aquatic species; (3) Observing Systems - Address deficiencies in observing systems in the Great Lakes region by focusing on observing system data and platforms, data management and communications, (4) Protection and Restoration of Resources - Assess the vulnerability and resilience of Great Lakes regional resources and support the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded habitats; (5) Integrated Assessment - Generate policy-relevant and synthetic research efforts that help guide long-term resource use for environmental issues in the region that are complex and multi-dimensional; and (6) Education and Outreach - Facilitate education and outreach activities for NOAA in the Great Lakes region by engaging appropriate education and outreach partners and working with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network to translate scientific findings into a format that can be understood by the general public and used in public decision-making processes.

CILER's research activities assist NOAA in four of its Mission Goals: (1) Protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to management; (2) Understand climate variability and change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond; (3) Serve society's needs for weather and water information; and (4) Support the Nation's commerce with information for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation.

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