Sea Grant

The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario, and their connecting channels – form the largest surface freshwater 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.

Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. It is one of 30 Sea Grant programs nationwide, including six programs in the Great Lakes states.

Through funding university research and conducting educational programs, Sea Grant helps individuals, local communities, coastal businesses, and state and local agencies to develop Great Lakes and ocean resources and exercise good stewardship in their use.

Michigan Sea Grant is funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and by the State of Michigan, with the cooperation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture through Michigan State University Extension. Click here for more information about the MSU Extension Sea Grant Program.

586-469-7139
sdc@msu.edu

Michigan Sea Grant College Program incorporates Great Lakes Research and Education on:

Aquatic Nuisance Species
Coastal Communities Fisheries
Great Lake Fisheries Leadership
Know Your Nets
Rip Currents
Wetlands

The Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP) introduces fourth-grade students to the unique features of the Great Lakes through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The program is designed to stimulate interest in the Great Lakes and help students understand their role in protecting these vital freshwater resources.

More than 115,000 students, teachers, adult chaperones and volunteers in southeast Michigan have participated in the Great Lakes Education Program since it began in 1991. GLEP can be adapted to meet the needs of K-12 and college classes.

Educational Relevance

The Great Lakes Education Program is part of an approved science curriculum for fourth-grade students and addresses an important need. Studies have shown that fourth grade students in Michigan generally have little understanding of the Great Lakes and local water resources. GLEP helps bridge this gap and prepare students for their roles as future decision-makers responsible for the state's natural resources.

For more information, go to www.glep.us.

Set Sail to Learn About the Lakes (CURRENTLY PAUSED DUE TO COVID-19) ​​​​​

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration and wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme.

There are more than 20 cruise themes to choose from. Most cruises range from 2.5 hours to 4 hours on the water and range in price from $15-$30 per person. Ages six and older are welcome on the cruises.