This project is meant to address the need for a binational Great Lakes research coordination strategy. This strategy represents an overarching framework for Great Lakes research management; a mechanism for international cooperation. The strategy will describe how information will be exchanged in order to promote informed decision making, and how the region will pull together to organize and coordinate large scale research projects. Activities under this initiative provide a basis for the Council of Great Lakes Research Managers to provide advice and recommendations to the International Joint Commission related to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.