Shelby Brunner and Jennifer Boehme, of Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), joined Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) staff on October 17th for a community listening session, held in Alpena, MI, at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. GLOS and TBNMS listened to user feedback and input on what types of data are most valuable and where they see critical information gaps.

Shelby gave a brief overview of GLOS and Seagull, as well as the current observing capacity within the Sanctuary. This was followed by an interactive discussion with the community members and small group conversations to help GLOS understand the drivers behind identified information requests. TBNMS staff had conducted community outreach in advance of the gathering and received significant feedback from community members who were unable to attend the workshop. GLOS has compiled the information, and would like to thank all who contributed their feedback and TBNMS for hosting.

Much of the feedback was that people would like more weather related data, like wave height, wind direction/speed/gusts and temperatures.  Participants also commented that they are interested in more buoys being located in places like Middle Island, Thunder Bay island, and the Nordmeer shipwreck to name a few.

This listening session was hosted in support of providing equitable service delivery for communities based on what will best serve them, and the feedback will contribute to Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-funded observation infrastructure in the area.

Next steps will include reviewing equipment options to achieve the measurements, prioritizing the sites and equipment selection with TBNMS staff, and purchasing and installing the equipment.