The Great Lakes Institute was developed to enable SUNY Oswego to maximize its main campus location on the shores of Lake Ontario by creating a hub for experiential learning, research and development focused on world-renowned Great Lakes ecosystem and economy of New York including:
- fisheries management and marine sanctuary development (tourism);
- ecological and community resilience and lake levels (economic impact);
- fresh water use and protection; watershed management (environment and sustainability);
- teacher education;
- and climate and meteorological issues.