In the Great Lakes, NOAA data is used for everything from going out on a boat, fishing, swimming, coastal flooding.

NOAA has been spearheading efforts to map the bottom ... sensors on the lakebed, buoys on the water, and satellites in orbit that provide real-time information on lake conditions.

Fishing nets cascade from ceilings, buoys adorn walls, and wooden accents create the feeling ... has some sort of secret pact with the frying gods. Photo credit: Jacob S. Lake Erie makes its presence ...