COLUMBUS, OHIO Ohio Sea Grant has funded six new research projects as part of its 2024-2026 research grants program. The projects cover topics ranging from climate change stressors and fisheries to environmental education and contaminants, to help solve critical issues affecting the state’s environment and economy.
“We had a strong set of submissions for this proposal review cycle, and these projects in particular address both current state agency needs and national Sea Grant priorities. We were excited to see an increase in environmental education research projects funded to enhance Great Lakes literacy,” said Dr. Kristen Fussell, Ohio Sea Grant’s associate director. “We believe they’ll deliver important information to those working to protect Lake Erie and the health of local communities.”
Researchers will collectively receive more than $1.18 million in Ohio Sea Grant support over two years starting February 1, 2024 as part of the following projects:
- Connecting the Global with the Local: Strengthening Environmental Education in Urban Communities
The Ohio State University - Inclusive Conservation Learning: A New Approach to Increase Diversity in STEM Through Lake Erie Blanding’s Turtle Research
The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium - Resolving Potential Toxicities of Plastic Leachates on Multiple Trophic Levels in the Lake Erie Ecosystem
Bowling Green State University - The Effect of Multiple Climate Stressors (temperature, hypoxia and turbidity) on the Trophic Interactions of Smallmouth Bass and Benthic Prey
The Ohio State University - Spatial and Temporal Variation in the Mass Accumulation of Sediment, Nutrients and Contaminants in Lake Erie’s Central Basin
Case Western Reserve University - Vaterite Versus Aragonite in Otoliths of Hatchery Salmonids: Effects on Growth and Survivorship Related to Commercial Production and Hatchery-Release
Bowling Green State University
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nation-wide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.