Michigan Sea Grant – At the Heart of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario, and their connecting channels – form the largest surface fresh water system on earth. Michigan is at the heart of that system, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. Through research, education and outreach, Michigan Sea Grant is dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes and coastal resources.
Who We Are
Michigan Sea Grant, a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, is part of the National Sea Grant College Program. This network of 32 university-based Sea Grant programs in coastal states across the country is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Federal funds are matched with funds from state, tribal, business, and other sources to carry out the programs.
Michigan Sea Grant employs six extension educators located in coastal communities around the state. Sea Grant educators, researchers and other specialists provide information about Michigan’s coastal/Great Lakes areas to residents, educators and stakeholders through publications, websites, displays, special projects, workshops and presentations.
What We Do
Our research and outreach programs promote better understanding, conservation and use of Michigan’s coastal resources. Michigan Sea Grant currently funds scientific research, education and extension projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant also promotes access to science-based information about Michigan’s coasts and the Great Lakes. Free publications include fact sheets, reports, articles and other documents available to download. Also, the online bookstore offers affordable publications, with discounts offered to partners, educators and others.
Why We Do It
Water is what makes Michigan a special place, with more than 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers. The Great Lakes are not just a “local” issue, with about one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water supply, and nine-tenths of the U.S. supply. Environmental stewardship, sustainable economic development and responsible use of the Great Lakes are in the best interest of Michigan, the Great Lakes region, the country and the world.
How We Manage
Learn more about the mission, operations and management of Michigan Sea Grant.
See: Mission, Management and Oversight
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