NA24OARX417C0031

Omnibus Abstract

The Great Lakes region faces many challenges. Climate change is upon us, as well as a host of other concerns, such as aquatic invasive species, waters contaminated with microplastics and other emerging substances, and loss of natural habitat leading to more flooding.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), with its unique mandate to bring the latest science to those who can best use the information, serves a critical role in empowering people to solve problems in sustainable ways. One of 34 Sea Grant programs, IISG is focused on the Southern Lake Michigan region104 miles of heavily urbanized and industrialized shoreline in Illinois and Indiana.

In this omnibus, IISG goals are to improve environmental literacy, foster a diverse, skilled, and environmentally literate workforce, protect coastal and Great Lakes habitats and ecosystems through science, tools and services, support the aquaculture industry and recreational fishing communities, and help communities plan for sustainable water resources and to be ready for hazards due to weather, climate, and other threats.

To accomplish its goals, IISG funds and engages in research to inform resource management, policy, community decision making, and personal choice. In this omnibus, we are supporting subrecipients that will seek to better understand Great Lakes contaminants and pollution mitigation efforts, the role of groundwater in local water supplies, and how to stabilize Lake Michigan shorelines.

Over the course of the omnibus period, IISG will also continue to support the annual competitive graduate student scholars program as well as other competitive research projects. IISG also conducts outreach and education to help bring information to those who can use itwe bring data to decision makers whether that's communities, residents, or other relevant audiences.

To be as effective as possible, we engage in needs assessments and collaborate with a variety of partners, bringing everyone to the table for input, including those who are often left out, and sharing of resources and connections. IISG trains and educates those who can reach more audiences, including extension educators, master gardeners, local officials, teachers, and natural resource professionals, to name a few.

We develop and distribute tools and other technical, outreach, and education products, hold workshops and meetings, and connect with target audience members one-on-one. The outcomes of IISG's work can broadly be summed up that more peopleespecially strategically relevant groupsare able to make informed choices about sustainable use and management of water resources.

In this omnibus, our efforts will help foster resilient communities that engage in climate change adaptation, improved stormwater management, shoreline protection, and sustainable use of natural resources. Not just fishers, but everyone in the two states will benefit from our work to promote the health of aquatic ecosystems as we learn more about contaminants, invasive species, and other water quality and food web threats, and we keep natural resource managers informed on ways to address these issues.

IISG's support of the aquaculture industry in the two states helps promote healthy eating as it boosts local businesses. And finally, our work with K-12 teachers and students, as well as with a range of college students, leads them to knowledge, experience, and opportunity. They directly engage in science, learn more about critical Lake Michigan issues, connect to potential role models, and gain career enhancing experiences.

In other words, we help foster the next generation of scientists.

Purdue University

TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF MAJOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR MARINE RESOURCES RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING AND TO SUPPORT MARINE ADVISORY SERVICES. SOME INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS IN THESE SAME AREAS ALSO RECEIVE FUNDING.

11.417 - Sea Grant Support

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [DOC]

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 United States

Single Zip Code

NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-23187

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 100% from $2,512,094 to $5,023,479.