These data have been collected on various vessel operations on the Great Lakes and select connecting waterways. This vessel operations data set is part of and connected to a larger database of Great Lakes research that includes trawl and gillnet catch data, sample information of fish species caught, as well as effort applied, operation conditions, and location details. The larger database also contains data on hydroacoustics, ichthyoplankton, zooplankton, zebra mussel, and benthos samples collected. Multiple operations were conducted on all Great Lakes each year (1958-2016) beginning in early spring and ending in late fall. Each vessel operation was completed for a specific purpose, or target mission, which are enumerated in this data set. Tables only relating to OP are: OP.csv, EBT.csv, and OP_Target.csv Data Quality: Note that the following data release is a snapshot of the database at the time of release. Some data quality checks are still being undertaken after the time of release. Also, a large section of this database includes legacy data that if issues arrise for cannot be addressed, but nevertheless adds great value to the database. When approaching the following data release, it is strongly suggested to approach the Great Lakes Science Center's researchers for input. Distribution Liability Statement: Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.