Focus Areas
Michigan’s coasts and the Great Lakes are a dynamic ecosystem with fluctuating water levels, many species of fish, birds, plants and other wildlife, and a wide variety of habitat types. A large boating community, commercial and recreational fisheries, and rapid development along Michigan’s coasts all present challenges for the ecosystem. Michigan Sea Grant addresses these issues through research, education and outreach, in partnership with a variety of organizations.
Research, education and outreach means:
- Keeping businesses, residents and students informed about current coastal issues and about how these Michigan’s coastal resources are a part of global resources. Sea Grant does this by supporting extension educators in six coastal locations, producing informational publications, developing free lessons online, and offering hands-on cruises, camps and workshops.
- Providing opportunities for researchers to tackle pressing issues about the environmental health and economic wellbeing of Michigan’s coastal areas.
- Building bridges between government agencies, non-government organizations, educators, business owners and citizens by supporting programs like the Michigan Clean Marina Program, annual fisheries workshops and the Great Lakes Small Harbors Coalition.
In alignment with NOAA-National Sea Grant, Michigan Sea Grant developed a strategic plan in 2009. This four-year plan (2010-2013) addresses both crosscutting goals and focal areas to effectively manage coastal and Great Lakes resources in ways that balance human needs with environmental health.
Three Crosscutting Goals:
- Develop sound scientific information
- Facilitate an informed public
- Support an inclusive decision-making processes
Four Focus Areas:
- Healthy coastal ecosystems
- Sustainable coastal development
- Safe and sustainable seafood supply
- Hazard resilience in coastal communities
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