Integrating Global Water Quality Buoys into Ecological Science: Insights from Gleon (Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network)

The Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) is a grassroots network of limnologists, ecologists, information technology (IT) experts, and engineers who have a common goal of building a scalable, persistent network of lake ecological observatories. GLEON buoys are sensor platforms that monitor physical, biological, and chemical parameters in lakes, often at high temporal resolution. GLEON science has informed mechanisms of change in thermal niche space, as well as allowing scientists to monitor algal blooms in eutrophic lakes in near-real time, in addition to improving our understanding of lake physics. We share here the value of a grassroots ecological network that is founded on open-access datasharing, analytical and IT tool building, and international collaboration. The GLEON model - which equally values diversity, shared leadership, and progressive science - can serve as a blueprint for similar science groups that see the benefit in collated and freely-shared environmental data.