Researching Coastal Issues

Michigan Sea Grant supports research teams that study an array of issues affecting the Great Lakes and Michigan’s coastal areas. Research projects focus on complex environmental challenges, anticipating and meeting changing needs of stakeholders and decision-makers. The goal of the MSG research program is to provide science-based information for real-life situations.

Requests for Proposals
Research proposals are selected for funding through a competitive, peer-reviewed process. Calls for proposals include:

• Michigan Sea Grant’s Integrated Assessment Research RFP. Project cycle: every two years. Pre-proposals due: early 2013. The next round of funding will be awarded in 2014.
• Special RFPs, focusing on specific topics, such as invasive species or aquaculture. Funding opportunities are separate from Michigan Sea Grant’s Integrated Assessment RFP, with specific guidelines for proposals. 

See: Request for Proposals

Integrated Research Teams
Outreach and collaboration are essential components of each research project. With long-standing community relationships, Sea Grant specialists help researchers connect with community leaders. During the project, researchers regularly consult with decision-makers and stakeholders to ensure that current needs and feasible solutions are addressed.  

Previous research projects have examined as the following issues:

• Economic development and coastal tourism
• Wind energy development options
• Storm water runoff
• Impacts to shoreline habitats
• Fish contaminants and consumption advisories

To read about research projects underway, see: Current Projects

To learn more about Sea Grant research, see: Integrated Assessment

Top