Michigan Sea Grant College Program Implementation Plan

Transcription

1 Michigan Sea Grant College Program Implementation Plan Michigan Sea Grant College Program University of Michigan 401 E. Liberty, Ste 330 Ann Arbor, MI Phone: (734) MICHU

2 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Background 1 About Michigan Sea Grant Mission 1 Vision 1 Related Documents 1 About this Plan 2 Functional Program Goals 2 Strategic Issue Goals Program Evaluation 2 Strategic Issue Goals, Objectives and Outcomes Aquatic Invasive Species 4 Coastal Communities and Economies 10 Fisheries 16 Coastal Aquatic Habitat 21 Marine and Aquatic Science Literacy 24 Functional Goals, Objectives and Outcomes Administration 31 Outreach 32 Education 36 ii

3 Introduction The purpose of this implementation plan is to present an overview of how Michigan Sea Grant will implement the goals outlined in the Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, In addition, this document provides milestones and expected results for the program s research program as well as the projects outlined in the Outreach and Education Omnibus Proposal FY 2005 through Background About Michigan Sea Grant Michigan Sea Grant brings together diverse stakeholders to develop a shared vision and work toward science-based solutions to Michigan s coastal challenges. The program integrates Great Lakes research, outreach, and education to help our stakeholders respond to issues, related to coastal communities and economies, coastal aquatic habitat, fisheries, aquatic invasive species, and marine and aquatic science literacy. Mission Michigan Sea Grant supports research, outreach, and education to enhance the sustainable use of Great Lakes resources to benefit the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Vision Healthy and sustainable Great Lakes resources achieved through an integrated program that engages universities, governments, citizens, and industries. Related Program Publications Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, The strategic plan contains background and issue statements, and defines the program s core capabilities. The Strategic Plan also outlines goals in strategic issue areas for research, outreach and education activities that will enhance the sustainable use of Great Lakes resources to benefit the economy and the environment. Omnibus Proposal to the National Sea Grant College Program The Michigan Sea Grant Omnibus contains specific project proposals and descriptions of proposed research, outreach and education activities. Implementation plans, project updates and other content is also included. Annual Report The program s annual report contains updates on selected research, outreach and education activities with an emphasis upon project accomplishments and impacts for that program year. Although produced separately, the annual report is also incorporated as an appendix of the annual Omnibus proposal. It is used as a program awareness tool for legislative and other audiences. 1

4 About this Plan Functional Program Goals: Research, Education, Outreach and Administration Functional goals relate to the way Michigan Sea Grant activities are conducted. The program s functional goals stem from ongoing formal and informal strategic planning and review. Stakeholders, Policy Committee, Management and Staff are all important elements of Michigan Sea Grant s program analysis. This is an ongoing activity in which processes, policies and operational methods are examined. Functional goals describe characteristics of the program and connect strategic issues to decision-making. Functional program goals begin on pg. 31. Strategic Issue Goals Strategic issue goals were developed after comprehensive and inclusive consultation with stakeholders, Policy Committee and program staff. More detail on the process can be reviewed in the program s strategic plan. Recognizing the integrated nature of coastal issues, MSG has selected the ecosystembased theme of sustainable coasts as the framework for the Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, Sustainable coasts provide economic opportunity and a high quality of life, while ensuring the long-term viability of the state s coastal resources. MSG Research, Outreach and Education goals over the next four years are consistent with the strategic plan and focus on issues that influence the region s ability to achieve sustainable coasts. Within the framework of sustainable coasts, five strategic issue areas are addressed: aquatic invasive species, coastal communities and economies, fisheries, coastal aquatic habitat, and marine and aquatic science literacy. Program Evaluation Michigan Sea Grant continually evaluates its programming through various formal and informal means. These include formal clientele surveys, consultation with key advisors and advisory groups, opinions from participants in education programs, observation of client behavior, and peer assessment. Extension agents regularly seek out advisors for evaluation of current programming and prospective projects. Major Extension conferences and workshops always include an evaluation questionnaire, the results of which are used in developing follow-up programs and materials. Agents encourage individuals and organizations to provide qualitative feedback about their subsequent use of Sea Grant information. Education employs a range of assessment methods to direct its efforts and evaluate its impacts. These include needs assessments, as well as formative and summative evaluations. Peer review is also sought through ongoing peer networking and presentations at professional conferences. 2

5 Periodic review of communications products is an important aspect of the Communications program s approach to evaluation and to achieving excellence. Evaluation benchmarks include user feedback and distribution numbers. In addition, the effectiveness of media outreach is measured by a variety of methods, including direct contact from reporters, the amount and/or quality of news coverage, and online links provide feedback on the efficacy of media outreach efforts. In MSG will produce the program s first online survey, and through the use of WebTrends software, the program accurately tracks electronically distributed publications. Michigan Sea Grant Management Team monitors progress under the Implementation Plan several ways. Staff members provide the Management Team, and each other, with monthly bullets of activities. This regular communication ensures that opportunities to meet goals and objectives that have been established in the strategic and implementation plans are identified and acted upon. At least once a year, usually May/June, the entire program meets to review progress under the implementation plan and develop annual work plans. Development of the program s annual report, typically January/February, provides yet another mechanism by which the program s research, outreach and education activities are considered holistically. These activities serve to keep the program moving toward meeting goals and objectives. 3

6 Aquatic Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are serious threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Non-native invertebrates, fish, and plant species enter the system through a variety of vectors, become established in Great Lakes region, and disrupt food webs. Invasive species have caused significant ecological harm as they alter ecosystem structure and function. Species such as water fleas, zebra mussels, sea lamprey, and purple loosestrife, have had significant ecological and economic impacts in the region. Many AIS affect industrial and municipal infrastructure, the health of important commercial and sport fisheries, and other vital social and economic activities. Preventing the introduction and controlling the spread of AIS, as well as mitigating their negative impacts costs the region hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Issues: Imminent introductions of new species Predicting new invaders Understanding dispersion vectors and controlling spread Ecosystem impacts Social and economic impacts Effective outreach to control spread Mitigation strategies Lack of AIS curricula in Michigan schools Goal: 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. Research Objectives Michigan Sea Grant will: Coordinate with university-based and government AIS research in Michigan; support multidisciplinary research related to the spread, control, and mitigation of AIS, and to understand their ecological, social, and economic impacts; support development of methods for improved AIS detection and monitoring. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant will coordinate with university-based and government AIS research in Michigan. Coordinate and/or participate in AIS sessions at the International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) meetings. Continue to participate in the Foodweb Disruption Partnership with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Programs, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Seek opportunities to coordinate AIS sessions, panels, round-tables at relevant events organized by partner agencies and organizations. 4

7 Coordinate and/or participate in AIS sessions at the International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) meetings. (2005, 2007) Collaborate on a meeting of Foodweb Disruption researchers and partners to update funded research, survey research findings and identify next steps. (2005) Collaborate with the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes on AIS Awareness Week and AIS presentations at the ANR Week Great Lakes Conference at MSU. (ongoing ) Personnel: Management Team, Extension Objective: State and regional legislators and natural resource managers will have a better understanding of the policy options related to controlling the introduction and spread of AIS and mitigating their impact. Familiarize state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers with the integrated assessment (IA) concept (See Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, ). Identify opportunities to apply IA to AIS issues in conjunction with state, regional and federal natural resource managers. Encourage AIS integrated assessment proposal submissions to the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. Hold an IA symposium for state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers. (2005) Meet regularly with state, regional and federal natural resource managers to identify current and/or emerging AIS management questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for AIS IA in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications and Extension. Integrated Outreach and Education Objectives: Objective: Michigan aquaculture operations, federal and state fishery management agencies, and baitfish and live fish wholesalers/retailers will be aware of AIS HACCP principles and will apply them in their operations. University-based field research teams will also be aware of and apply AIS HACCP principles. Conduct workshops for target audiences such as aquaculture operations, federal and state fishery management agencies, university-based field research teams, baitfish and live fish wholesalers/retailers in Michigan. Develop and distribute appropriate educational materials for target audiences and promote workshops that use these materials. Share results and best management practices with partners and make presentations at AIS and regional Great Lakes conferences. 5

8 Prepare and distribute news releases, briefs and articles for target audiences, including the aquaculture, baitfish and live fish wholesale industries, regional communications venues and NOAA-National Sea Grant. One hundred to 150 resource managers and facility supervisors from Michigan DNR and DEQ, USFWS, NPS, USFS, and managers from three tribal reservations in WI and MI will be trained in the use of AIS-HACCP principles annually (ongoing ) Develop educational materials. (ongoing ) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan s capacity to respond rapidly to the introduction of new aquatic invasive species will be improved through development and implementation of a plan to identify and control species known to be high risk for invasion. Refine and finalize the draft model rapid response plan for Hydrilla in consultation with the Michigan Aquatic Nuisance Species Council. Implement the rapid response plan for Hydrilla, including distribution of news releases, newsletter articles and other materials to target audiences. Work with Michigan partners to adapt the Hydrilla rapid response plan for other AIS with strong potential for becoming established in the state. Collaborate with regional partners, including Great Lakes Sea Grant programs and the Great Lakes Panel on ANS, to develop preventative and regional rapid response plans for other AIS. Collaborate with the following organizations in the distribution of invasive species materials: MDEQ, MSU Extension, Michigan Lake and Stream Associations and other relevant organizations. 1,000 of Michigan s coastal and inland lake property owners, anglers, charter captains will be aware of correct actions to take if Hydrilla is found. (2005) Hundreds of Great Lakes coastal and inland lake property owners, anglers, charter captains, will be aware of correct actions to take if a new invasive species is found. ( ) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Aquarium owners in Michigan will be aware of AIS risks and respond with appropriate actions when dealing with potentially invasive species. Develop awareness among the Michigan aquarium industry and individual owners through participation in the national Habitattitude TM campaign. Work with Michigan hobby garden groups, industry leaders, and educational facilities to increase local understanding of the consumer and industry actions that are important to reducing the risk of AIS through this vector. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences. MSG staff will assist in Habitattitude TM awareness efforts. ( ) 6

9 At least two feature articles about this vector will appear in Michigan pet hobbyist publications and in the popular press. (2007) 1,000 Michigan aquarium owners will be aware of AIS risks and respond with appropriate actions when dealing with potentially invasive species. (2007) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Public education facilities such as aquariums will have improved educational displays and a supply of appropriate AIS educational materials. Collaborate with partners such as Great Lakes Sea Grant programs, federal and state agencies, trade associations, aquarium pet owners, and Michigan aquaria, to develop publications, display materials and news releases. Distribute education materials to target audiences throughout Michigan. Provide publications and display materials about AIS risks and prevention at national, regional and statewide conferences, tradeshows and similar venues. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences. Curators, Michigan aquaria, and other educational facilities will have improved educational displays and a supply of educational materials about AIS. (2007) Personnel: Extension, Education and Communications. Objective: Water gardeners throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region will be aware of their role in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species and take the correct actions to ensure that happens. Educate extension professionals who work with Master Gardeners. Prepare newsletter articles and conduct an evaluation of different educational messages and materials. Develop a statewide media campaign and, if resources allow, participate in the development of national and regional campaigns. Educate water garden wholesalers/retailers through their trade associations via feature articles and presentations. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences. Expected Outcomes: All MSU extension professionals who work with Master Gardeners will receive information related to water gardeners role in minimizing AIS spread. (2006) Personnel: Extension and Communications personnel. Objective: Michigan s pre-and-in-service teachers and youth education leaders will be better prepared to educate students about AIS. Continue outreach to in-service teachers and youth education leaders through conferences, workshops, presentations, upwellings and the program Web site. 7

10 Develop and distribute new and engaging AIS publications and classroom materials for K-12 educators and students based on components from Fisheries Learning on the Web (Project FLOW), the Life of the Lake, the Great Lakes Education Program, and existing color illustrations. Evaluate and update AIS education materials, in accordance with state and national benchmarks and make a presentation at an education conference. Promote AIS education materials through news releases, the program Web site, and upwellings. MSG educators and/or communications/extension personnel will participate in at least two teacher/youth education conferences, workshops or presentations each year. (ongoing ) Upwellings and the program Web site will continue to provide resources to teachers and youth educators. (ongoing ) Complete Project FLOW, Web-based curriculum. (2005) Evaluate and update selected AIS education materials. (2007) Develop a plan to establish pre-service teacher education at relevant Michigan institutions, see Marine and Aquatic Science Literacy objective. (2007) Personnel: Education, Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan s state legislators and natural resource management agency leaders will be informed about AIS issues to lead in the development and adoption of AIS policies and programs. In collaboration with the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, conduct a workshop, or other educational process, on key policy tools such as the State Management Plan for managing AIS. In collaboration with legislative staff, organize legislative/public hearing(s) on AIS. In collaboration with the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, educate agency leaders about the importance of implementing the State Management Plan. MSG staff will continue to provide science-based AIS information online and in print in collaboration with state and regional partners. (ongoing ) Michigan Sea Grant staff experts will help establish state and regional priorities and programs. (ongoing ) Develop materials on key policy tools and other mechanisms to use in educating state legislators and natural resource management agency leaders. (2007) Hold a workshop and/or hearing to educate state legislators. (2007) Personnel: Extension, Communications and Management Team. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant s AIS outreach will be enhanced by distilling and distributing Sea Grant and other AIS research results. 8

11 Develop new AIS outreach materials. Present or arrange for presentation of relevant Sea Grant and other research at conferences, workshops and other venues. Distill and distribute research results and information to K-16 educators through upwellings and the program Web site. Distribute news releases about new AIS research. New outreach materials will be available for an AIS session at the International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) meeting. (2005) Collaborate with the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes on AIS Awareness Week and AIS presentations at the ANR Week Great Lakes Conference at MSU. (ongoing ) Upwellings, Web site and news releases will be updated and/or issued as new research results become available. (ongoing ) Personnel: Communications, Extension and Research. 9

12 Coastal Communities and Economies Michigan land use decisions are made at the local level city, township, and village where there is often little understanding of the complexity of the entire coastline and even less awareness of the cumulative impacts of individual land development choices on the Great Lakes. A steady growth of permanent and seasonal residents near the Great Lakes has produced a substantial increase in the use of coastal areas for business, recreation, and residential purposes. Managers with responsibility for coastal development must recognize several principles of sustainability. These include: coastal economies are interrelated with social structures and ecosystems; the intensity of coastal development can have a significant impact on the sustainability of the coastal ecosystem; and sustaining coastal communities will require long-term ecologically and socially sound management practices. Within the context of supporting coastal communities, there is a special need to address capacity to deal with natural lake level fluctuation. The relatively rapid change from historic highs in the mid-1980s to near historic lows in 2002 highlights the need for communities to plan and design around extremes. Similarly, the economic health of Michigan s coastal communities is dependent upon access to ample clean and affordable water resources, as well as public beaches and resorts where water-based recreation is regularly safe to undertake. Michigan s long-term ecological and economic health depends upon the protection and scientifically based management of Great Lakes water resources. Issues: Economic sustainability for coastal businesses Limited recreational access to waterfront Safety/security of coastal infrastructure e.g., harbors, water intakes Placement and maintenance of commercial and recreational harbors/marinas Human impacts on coastal systems e.g., through land use and water withdrawal Climate change Understanding the legal framework related to water rights and regulations Preserving historic and traditional uses of waterfronts Strategic Plan Goal: 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. Research Objectives: Michigan Sea Grant will: Support research on land use planning, law/business/economic issues, and public policy options to promote sustainable coastal economies; support assessments of the ecological implications of fluctuating lake levels. 10

13 Objective: MSG supported research will address land use planning, law/business/ economic issues and public policy options to promote sustainable coastal communities. Familiarize state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers with the integrated assessment (IA) concept (See Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, ). Identify opportunities to apply IA to coastal communities and economies issues in conjunction with state, regional and federal natural resource managers. Encourage coastal communities and economies integrated assessment proposal submissions to the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. Hold an IA symposium for state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers. (2005) Meet regularly with state, regional and federal natural resource managers to identify current and/or emerging coastal communities and economies management questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for coastal communities and economies IA in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications and Extension. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant will support research efforts directed toward understanding the ecological implications of lake level fluctuation and policy options for natural resource management agencies. Familiarize state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers with the integrated assessment (IA) concept (See Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, ). Identify opportunities to apply IA to lake level fluctuation in conjunction with state, regional and federal natural resource managers. Encourage an integrated assessment proposal on ecological and policy implications of lake level fluctuation to the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. Hold an IA symposium for state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers. (2005) Meet regularly with state, regional and federal natural resource managers to identify current and/or emerging AIS management questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for an IA related to lake level fluctuation in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications and Extension. Integrated Outreach and Education Objectives: Objective: Michigan s coastal communities will focus on sustainable development. 11

14 Consult with leaders of the state s coastal communities to identify sustainable development issues and opportunities. Conduct an integrated assessment or prepare a white paper of research needed to support community leaders engaged in sustainable coastal community development. Develop a strategy to educate coastal community leaders about sustainable coastal community development. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences, prepare and distribute news releases, Web briefs and upwellings articles for target audiences. Coastal community leaders will identify issues and opportunities. (2005) Prepare and deliver an integrated assessment or white paper to community leaders. (2006) Develop a proposal to establish a NOAA-Sea Grant Center for Sustainable Coastal Community Development in Michigan. ( ) Michigan Sea Grant will be a respected resource for assisting community planning and development leaders in Michigan s coastal communities. (2007) Personnel: Extension, Research, Communications. Objective: Michigan s coastal community leaders will be better prepared to conduct sustainable community planning and development activities. Develop and deliver a Citizen Planner (CP) program targeting planning and development issues that are unique to coastal communities. Promote the pursuit of the CP certificate program with community service component among coastal community leaders. Seek funding to support a training workshop for MSUE planning and development personnel on the siting of wind energy generation facilities. Encourage coastal communities to consider adopting blue belting strategies to assure the highest and best use of unique coastal resources. Develop build out models for coastal communities to help local leaders visualize how their communities may look if they make certain decisions. Conduct training for coastal official in conjunction with meetings of Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Townships Association, and Michigan Municipal League. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences, prepare and distribute news releases, Web briefs and upwellings articles for target audiences. Two hundred additional coastal officials will participate in training offered through various municipal associations. (ongoing ) Coastal communities will use build out models and consider blue belting strategies. (ongoing ) Personnel: Extension and Communications. 12

15 Objective: Coastal land use decision makers will understand and apply planning and zoning tools to ensure public access to the Great Lakes. Include a discussion of public waterfront access in the CP program described above. Prepare information about public access issues. Work with media outlets in coastal communities to ensure public access is a topic of discussion. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences, prepare and distribute news releases, Web briefs and upwellings articles for target audiences. Newspaper, radio and television stories will provide the basis for public discussion in coastal communities. (ongoing ) Survey respondents will demonstrate awareness of the issue of public access to the Great Lakes. (2006) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan coastal property owners will be prepared to deal with fluctuating Great Lakes levels. Facilitate information sessions and workshops for coastal property owners using the cadre of local natural resource professionals trained through the Michigan Coastal Shoreline Landowner Education program in Update Sea Grant s existing shoreline erosion materials and training, integrating them with existing low water level materials into a comprehensive package. Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences, prepare and distribute news releases, Web briefs and upwellings articles for target audiences. Twenty-five local natural resource professionals will be trained to use coastal land use educational resources and will have the knowledge to work with coastal shoreline property owners. (2005) The trained local natural resource professionals will conduct at least 30 workshops for coastal property owners. (2007) Sea Grant will have a revised package of shoreline materials that address issues related to both unusually high and unusually low levels. (2007) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan marinas will be examples of excellent environmental citizens to other coastal business in Michigan and marinas in the regions. Work with Clean Marina Program partners to continue enlisting marinas into the program. Work with Clean Marina Program partners to continue conducting workshops for program participants. Work with Clean Marina Program partners to provide technical assistance and support to participating marinas to help them achieve certification. 13

16 Share results with partners and make presentations at relevant conferences, prepare and distribute news releases, Web briefs and upwellings articles for target audiences. At least one marina in each of Michigan s coastal counties will be involved in the Clean Marinas Program. (2007) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: The City of Detroit, Wayne County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Detroit business and community supporters will continue efforts to revitalize the Detroit River waterfront. Continue to support the partnerships and momentum developed by the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative. Work with the Department of Natural Resources to develop programming for the Tricentennial State Park. Work with the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy to complete existing projects and develop new projects consistent with plans for waterfront renewal. Facilitate multi-jurisdictional public and private efforts to pursue projects that will enhance the riverfront for Downriver communities. Continue to promote the Greenways Initiative and support community efforts to extend it. Work with local governments, private landowners and state and federal agencies to address brownfield issues on the Detroit River. Current levels of public and private community support for Detroit Riverfront revitalization will be maintained. (ongoing ) Program activities at the Tri-centennial State Park will include Sea Grant materials and/or personnel on an ongoing basis. (ongoing from 2007) Sea Grant will participate in at least two proposals for new projects to expand efforts to revitalize the Detroit Riverfront each year. (ongoing ) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan s non-urban coastal communities will maximize economic opportunities presented by tourism in an environmentally sustainable way. Develop collaboration with NOAA s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve that includes helping to ascertain stakeholder perceptions of key resources and opportunities. Help local businesses understand and access sanctuary and preserve potential economic development components such as dive charters and equipment rental/sales. Assess, distill and facilitate the application of sanctuary and preserve lessons and benefits such as cultural, historical, and tourism to other Michigan coastal communities with similar natural and cultural resources. Share progress with relevant cultural heritage organizations. 14

17 Develop an action plan for initiatives related to natural and cultural resources in northern Michigan. (2007) Personnel: Extension and Communications. 15

18 Fisheries Great Lakes fish ecosystems are arguably the most important freshwater fish ecosystems in the world, ones that support a multibillion-dollar sport fishery, tribal subsistence fisheries, and a valuable commercial fishery. Ecosystem stressors, such as aquatic invasive species, improper land use, fluctuating nutrients, over exploitation, and disease, challenge the integrity of the Great Lakes fisheries. As a result, their vitality is one of the more visible indicators of the overall health of our Great Lakes, both ecologically and economically. The regeneration of Great Lakes fisheries is often linked to an economic renaissance of the associated coastal communities, and as one of Michigan s original industries, it is an important cultural and historic link to our Great Lakes heritage, including that of the Native American tribes. Issues: Economic viability of sport and commercial fishery Impact of aquatic invasive species on the fishery Native species restoration Fish habitat degradation and rehabilitation Fish recruitment and production dynamics Goal: 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. Research Objectives: Michigan Sea Grant will: Support research to enhance the understanding of fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement, and production, and fishery-related issues including: understanding recruitment dynamics and management strategies; the impact of invasive species on food web dynamics and fish populations; and the relationship of habitat productivity to fish health, production, and rehabilitation. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant will support research efforts directed toward understanding fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement and production. Familiarize state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers with the integrated assessment (IA) concept (See Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, ). Identify opportunities to apply IA to fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement and production issues in conjunction with state, regional and federal natural resource managers. Encourage integrated assessment proposal submissions, related to specific fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement and production questions, to the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. 16

19 Hold an IA symposium for state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers. (2005) Meet regularly with state, regional and federal natural resource managers to identify current and/or emerging fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement and production questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for IAs addressing specific fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement and production questions in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications and Extension. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant will support research that enhances the understanding of the impact of invasive species on food web dynamics and fish populations. Continue to participate in the Great Lakes Food Web Disruption Partnership with the other Great Lakes Sea Grant programs, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Great Lakes Fishery Trust. Include those research issues identified by the Food Web Disruption Partnership that are conducive to integrated assessment in the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. Participate in/support a food web disruption workshop/symposium at IAGLR where researchers share research findings to date. (ongoing ) Work with Great Lakes Fishery Commission to convene a food web disruption workshop/symposium for researchers and funding partners. (2005) Work with food web disruption partners to identify current and/or emerging food web disruption questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for IAs addressing food web disruption questions in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications, Extension Integrated Outreach and Education Objectives: Objective: Leaders and emerging leaders of fisheries constituencies will be educated about priority fishery concepts, issues and leadership. New fisheries leaders will have a strong connection with Sea Grant and enhanced capacity to interact with Michigan management agencies. Promote and implement programs such as advanced training opportunities and/or protocols/resources for providing continuing support to existing GLFLI graduates. Inform others about the achievements of GLFLI through the institute Web site and through news briefs. Assist in distilling research about fish ecosystem rehabilitation, enhancement, and production, and fishery-related issues. Conduct a feasibility assessment for continuing GLFLI. Promote ecosystem-based educational programs and materials for fishery leaders. 17

20 Based on the above assessment, develop appropriate planning, materials, and partnerships (2006). Twenty five percent of Fisheries Leadership Institute graduates will either carry out a service project or engage in a leadership activity. (2007 for first institute) Fisheries leaders will have better access to high-quality, low cost ecosystem and fisheries materials through Project FLOW, the Life of the Lakes materials and other engaging fisheries/ecosystem materials (ongoing ). Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan s commercial fishing industry will increase the quality and marketability of its product. Work with a marketing specialist to develop a comprehensive survey of seafood wholesalers. Educate target audiences about Great Lakes whitefish. Facilitate expertise to guide the development of the brand label and packaging requirements. Facilitate the industry s participation in the Michigan Department of Agriculture s Select Michigan commodity marketing program. Convene an industry group and provide leadership for discussions to develop stringent product processing requirements needed to carry the brand label. Conduct a workshop for the commercial fishing/processing industry on storage techniques for Great Lakes lake whitefish. Visit commercial fish processing facilities to help them adopt this technology by demonstrating techniques, providing technical production assistance, and facilitating contacts for establishing distribution channels. Help conduct product development, taste-testing and market feasibility studies to examine options for producing and marketing Great Lakes lake whitefish. Make presentations to relevant conferences and trade shows. Relationships within the industry will be developed and strengthened. (2007) Hold at least one workshop on storage techniques. (2007) Personnel: Extension and Communications. Objective: Michigan s commercial, tribal and sport fishers will adopt practices based on sound fishery science and will reach consensus on important fisheries issues. Facilitate discussions among key audiences/stakeholders. Respond to requests for facilitative leadership on fishery issues. Continue to participate as Great Lakes Fishery Commission members/advisors, in lake technical committees and in Michigan DNR lake-oriented citizen advisory committees. Maintain Know Your Nets Web site and continue to distribute Don t Get Trapped brochures. 18

21 Michigan Sea Grant will be a respected broker of research based information and will be sought as a facilitator of important fishery discussions (ongoing ) Personnel: Management team, extension. Objective: Upper Peninsula residents will be less confused about government fish consumption advisories, and advising agencies will be more sensitive to community needs. Identify barriers to following fish consumption advisories and fish preparation guidelines in target communities in Michigan s Upper Peninsula. Engage vulnerable community members and relevant community institutions in identifying more effective communication channels for fish advisories. Develop information about potential health hazards and about potential health, economic, and cultural benefits of consuming locally caught fish for target communities. Design targeted fish advisory interventions incorporating effective communication channels, dissemination methods, and community programs. Implement and assess the effectiveness of pilot program messages, communications channels, and community-based education programs in increasing the effectiveness of fish advisories among vulnerable populations. Share results initially with project participants, then more widely through peerreviewed journal articles, presentations at relevant conferences, in upwellings, and news briefs. Gather baseline information from the population, design tailored interventions and implement plans. ( ) Assess and evaluate programs and products. ( ) Upper Peninsula residents, particularly vulnerable community members, will demonstrate a better understanding of the significance of fish consumption advisories and will be more likely to follow them. (2007) Government agencies will understand unique cultural attributes of the target communities and the best vehicles with which to communicate with them. (2007) Disseminate findings to peers and others, as appropriate. ( ) Personnel: Extension Objective: Fisheries Extension Enhancement (FEE) activities across the Great Lakes Region will be well coordinated and produce accessible educational material. Document regional fisheries priorities and develop an inventory of Great Lakes Sea Grant resources. Lead a regional FEE committee in the development of 7-8 regional themes for fisheries extension and designation of priorities for enhancement within each theme. Develop fact sheets, designated by the regional FEE committee and distribute materials via the Great Lakes Sea Grant Web site to target audiences such as National Sea Grant, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and other local/regional partners. 19

22 Communicate regional fisheries extension needs to relevant binational, federal, state, tribal and local agencies and partners at their regular meetings. Initial inventory and fact sheets will be developed. (2005) Seek opportunity to review regional priorities in conjunction with Great Lakes Sea Grant Network meeting every 18 months. (ongoing ) Seek opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration through projects supported by the National Sea Grant College Program or private organizations. (ongoing ) The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network fisheries site will include synthesis documents, a living fisheries resources inventory and links to other Sea Grant and partners fisheries information and events. (2006) Personnel: Extension and Communications 20

23 Coastal Aquatic Habitat Coastal aquatic habitat includes wetlands, coastal sand dune systems, drowned river mouths, reef complexes and near-shore spawning and nursery areas for fish and wildlife. Human activities and natural events, such as fluctuating lake levels and shoreline alteration, affect the quality and quantity of coastal habitat that, in turn, affects ecosystem health and well-being. Understanding how human activities affect coastal aquatic habitat and magnify the impact of natural processes is critical to the ecological and economic health of Michigan s coasts and their embedded natural resources. Water quality continues to be one of the more significant issues affecting aquatic habitat in the Great Lakes basin, as well as impacting human use, health and the productivity of Great Lakes ecosystems. These, in turn, affect the economic and social well being of coastal communities and businesses, which are reliant upon clean water and healthy fish and wildlife populations. Issues: Habitat restoration to support ecologically, economically and social important species Assessment of the ecosystem values of restored/constructed habitats Non-point source pollution and sedimentation Human impacts on coastal aquatic habitat and water quality Pathogens and toxins in drinking and recreational waters Strategic Plan Goal: 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. Research Objectives: Michigan Sea Grant will: Support multidisciplinary research that determines the short and long-term impact of human disturbances on coastal habitat; develops and evaluates best management practices for the rehabilitation of water quality and coastal habitats for the benefit of aquatic organisms and humans; and identifies and evaluates policies, programs, and strategies for targeting and reducing non-point sources of pollution and addressing contaminated sediments. Objective: Michigan Sea Grant will support research that determines the short and longterm impact of human disturbances on coastal habitat. Familiarize state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers with the integrated assessment (IA) concept (See Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan, ). 21

24 Identify opportunities to apply IA to coastal communities and economies issues in conjunction with state, regional and federal natural resource managers. Encourage coastal communities and economies integrated assessment proposal submissions to the Michigan Sea Grant biennial RFP. Hold an IA symposium for state, regional and federal natural resource managers and university researchers. (2005) Meet regularly with state, regional and federal natural resource managers to identify current and/or emerging coastal communities and economies management questions that are conducive to an IA. (ongoing ) Call for coastal communities and economies IA in the program s biennial RFP. (2006) Personnel: Management Team, Communications and Extension. Integrated Outreach and Education Objectives: Objective: Michigan coastal landowners, natural resource users and natural resource managers will understand and apply best practices for restoring, protecting and enhancing coastal aquatic habitat. Identify best practices for restoring, protection and enhancing coastal aquatic habitat. Collaborate with relevant local and state natural resource agencies and universitybased experts to develop information and education materials that explain the importance and relevance of identified best practices. Draw upon existing and proposed monitoring and observing activities to develop and maintain products and presentations that report on the state of the resource. Provide information on best practices through venues such as Citizen Planner, webbased education modules, upwellings articles, annual meetings with charter captains and other opportunities as they arise. Stakeholders will be aware of and seek out information or technical support related to best practices and incorporate those practices into their ongoing activities. (ongoing ) Citizen Planner modules will be developed and implemented. (ongoing ) Personnel: Extension, Communications and Research. Objective: Soft engineering techniques will be used to maximize shoreline habitat opportunities for fish and wildlife. Work with local, state and federal natural resource agencies to identify opportunities to soften the existing shoreline or to protect and enhance remaining soft shoreline. Communicate the ecosystem and economic benefits of soft shorelines to private and public coastal landowners. Provide technical expertise/assistance to private and public landowners. 22

25 Local, state and federal natural resource agencies will identify opportunities to soften the existing soft shoreline or to protect and enhance remaining soft shoreline (ongoing ). Public and private coastal landowners will learn about the benefits of soft shoreline (ongoing ) Public and private coastal landowners will apply soft engineering techniques with Sea Grant s technical assistance (ongoing ) Personnel: Extension. Objective: A broad audience in the Great Lakes basin will understand human health impacts related to Great Lakes water quality. Hire an outreach coordinator for the Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health. Develop relationships with water quality and human health researchers, Sea Grant experts, leaders of the Great Lakes Human Health Network, counterparts in other NOAA Centers, and key stakeholders such as the American Water Works Association, American Medical Association. Establish a technical advisory committee to advise the center on priority research needs and appropriate outreach strategies for delivering research results to key user groups. Publish, publicize and distribute a white paper on water quality forecasting needs for protecting human health in the Great Lakes region. Develop communications mechanisms (for example, Web, newsletters) for engaging clientele, collaborators and key stakeholders, and communicating research impacts to these groups. Conduct annual topical workshops and/or training seminars. Assist in the distribution of information about the NOAA Center via the program Web site. A broad-based regional clientele for water quality forecasts will develop. (2007) Michigan Sea Grant will be recognized as a leader in regional outreach efforts about Great Lakes water quality human health impacts. (2007) Extension agents and other information brokers and decision makers will use NOAA s Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health and other resources in responding to constituent needs (ongoing ). Personnel: Extension 23