The Integrated Sentinel Monitoring Network (ISMN)
Established in 2019, the Integrated Sentinel Monitoring Network (ISMN) facilitated the monitoring of sentinel indicators–plankton biodiversity, key species, ecosystem processes and functions– and how they respond to changes in the Northeast region’s rapidly shifting marine environment. Sentinel indicators are the proverbial canary in the coal mine, and by advancing the observation, synthesis and communication of observed changes, the ISMN provides decision makers with relevant analysis that can inform their actions.
The ISMN worked to accomplish three key tasks:
- Finding and filling gaps in present ecosystem observing activities
- Facilitating integration, data sharing, and communication among existing monitoring efforts
- Synthesizing results to make everyone’s findings more impactful
