It's probably most valuable in keeping invasive species that have gotten into the Great Lakes from getting farther inland. As you know, that's the second level of the problem, which is also important.
This is mostly looking for things that we already know are here, so it's not as relevant to early detection of invading species in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are big places. It takes a larger-scale activity than a cottager keeping an eye out on their waterfront.