History of Sea Grant

The Sea Grant concept was designed after the land-grant model, emphasizing research, education and outreach to protect and enhance the nation’s marine and Great Lakes resources.

There are 30 university-based Sea Grant programs located in coastal areas of the United States. Sea Grant programs are managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Federal funds are matched with resources from state, tribal, business, and other sources to carry out scientific and educational programs.

A Unique Partnership
Michigan Sea Grant is one of the oldest Sea Grant programs in the nation. It was authorized by the United States Senate and House of Representatives in 1969 and established at the University of Michigan.

Soon afterward, it became critical to conduct the program’s outreach in partnership with Michigan State University Extension. Senior scientists and administrators from both institutions crafted a unique partnership agreement that became official in 1977.

Benefits of the UM-MSU partnership include:

• tapping a greater wealth of knowledge and experience;
• developing synergistic partnerships; and
• combining research and educational resources to reach the public.

In 1982, Michigan Sea Grant was awarded College Program status in recognition of its effective, high quality program.

Michigan Sea Grant’s central offices are located at UM in the School of Natural Resources and Environment, and at MSU in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Program Management
The principal governing unit of Michigan Sea Grant is the management team, comprised of two representatives each from MSU and UM. The management team provides intellectual leadership and strategic and operational direction to the program.

Michigan Sea Grant management receives strategic advice from a Policy Committee, composed of senior university administrators; deans of administrative units; directors of federal, state and regional agencies and organizations; and representatives of private foundations and business.

Mission
Michigan Sea Grant is dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of Great Lakes and coastal resources through research, education and outreach.

Research
The Michigan Sea Grant research program has funded projects investigating coastal and water resource issues in universities across the state. Projects are funded on a biennial cycle. The 2006 process is a significant departure requiring the application of a specific methodology—integrated assessment. See: Research

Education
Michigan Sea Grant plays a key role in promoting Great Lakes literacy through teacher training, K-12 curriculum development, public education programs, special training workshops for industry, and much more. Graduate students who have participated in Sea Grant-supported research assistantships are now part of the nation's marine and Great Lakes management professionals, with skills benefiting the environment and the economy. See: Education

Outreach
Michigan Sea Grant employs extension educators in six district offices located in coastal communities around the State. Extension educators help communities apply science-based research to address Great Lakes and coastal issues. They actively assist thousands of residents, decision-makers and resource managers in resolving problems, recognizing opportunities, and broadening understanding of the Great Lakes ecosystem. See: Contacts

Michigan Sea Grant communicators and specialists provide Great Lakes information to Michigan residents, educators and stakeholders through newsletters and special publications, Web sites, educational displays, and presentations. The Michigan Sea Grant Bookstore contains a number of resources for students, educators and researchers, including hundreds of publications for a variety of audiences.

Part of a Great Lakes Regional Network
Michigan Sea Grant is part of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network, a regional network of seven Sea Grant programs representing the Great Lakes basin. The Great Lakes Regional Network Agent is located at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor and coordinates activities with Michigan Sea Grant and the six other Great Lakes programs.

Top