Michigan Sea Grant will focus research, outreach, and education programs on the critical factors that influence the region’s ability to achieve sustainable coasts. The strategic issues and related goals follow:
Aquatic Invasive Species: Michigan Sea Grant will support research, outreach and education to prevent the introduction of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes, control the spread of established invasive species, and mitigate their ecological and socio-economic impacts.
Coastal Communities and Economies: Michigan Sea Grant will make significant contributions to research, outreach and education that lead to sustainable coastal economies, communities and ecosystems, including understanding the impacts of natural fluctuations, diversions, and consumptive uses of Great Lakes water.
Fisheries: Michigan Sea Grant will support research, outreach, and education efforts about the Great Lakes fish ecosystems; contribute information that promotes sustainable fisheries; and support those stakeholders and communities that are fishery dependent.
Coastal Aquatic Habitat: Michigan Sea Grant research, outreach, and education will contribute to our understanding of the impact of human activity on coastal aquatic habitat and Great Lakes water quality, and assist in the development of policies and programs with the citizens of Michigan and local, state and national management agencies that protect valuable coastal habitat.
Marine and Aquatic Science Literacy: Michigan Sea Grant will support research, outreach and education that will improve marine and aquatic science literacy on the part of educators and citizens representative of all population sectors.
Within the context of these five strategic issues, Michigan Sea Grant’s strategic plan also addresses developing issues related to water quantity and water quality.
Introduction