US-Canada Great Lakes Regional Specimen Bank Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Existing specimen banking facilities in the Great Lakes region lack comprehensive evaluation.
• A need exists to assess the adequacy of current specimen banking infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of establishing a Regional Specimen Bank in the Great Lakes area.
• To identify necessary institutions, scope, and protocols for a new regional bank.
• To develop a management policy, address legal requirements, and ensure long-term funding.

Main Methods:

• Conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for a regional specimen bank.
• Evaluating current specimen banking facilities and their combined adequacy.
• Defining the scope, including specimen types, geographic coverage, and operational protocols.

Main Results:

• The study will establish the need for a regional bank and recommend suitable institutions.
• Protocols for collection, processing, storage, and dissemination will be defined.
• Management policies, legal requirements, and funding strategies will be developed.

Conclusions:

• A well-defined Regional Specimen Bank is crucial for the Great Lakes area.
• The study will provide a roadmap for establishing a secure and effective specimen repository.
• Collaboration and secure funding are key to the bank's long-term success.