The monitoring program is a cooperative study effort between Crater Lake and Oregon State University scientists. Each summer, researchers collect samples and gather data to analyze the lake's physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The significance of the lake's clarity cannot be understated, for the spectacular blue color of Crater Lake is a function of its depth and clear water. The greatest human related impact to the lake continues to be the remaining population of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon introduced to the lake in the early 1900's. These fish have caused significant changes to the food web and zooplankton community composition in the lake.
Global monitoring continues to occur at Crater Lake.
Weather stations on the caldera rim and the lake itself monitor climatic changes. Sediment traps are situated in the water column to monitor particles entering the lake. Water temperature changes and water mixing are studied using a thermistor chain located throughout the water column. These studies help refine the relationships between climate and lake ecology by looking at the precipitation and nutrients entering and mixing in the lake. The 33 foot long aluminum vessel allows biologists to safely study and monitor the lake during the summer and winter.