Michigan Sea Grant is funding six new research projects, totaling nearly $1.7 million, to investigate the shifting dynamics of harmful algal blooms, economic trends in coastal communities, emerging fish viruses, and other issues relevant to the Great Lakes. One of those projects will be led by University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability Professor Josh Newell. 

Every two years, Michigan Sea Grant requests proposals for projects addressing issues affecting the Great Lakes and Michigan’s coastal areas. Funded projects are selected through a competitive process involving external peer review and advisory panel recommendations.

Starting in early 2024, funded projects will develop information, create tools and build partnerships that will improve decision-making to address particularly challenging coastal issues in the state and fulfill critical research needs for the Great Lakes ecosystems.

Newell's project is "Assessing blue gentrification in Michigan’s coastal communities." Blue gentrification poses a significant challenge for coastal communities in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. This emerging issue involves the displacement of long-term residents near water bodies due to physical and cultural changes. This project aims to assess the extent of blue gentrification from 2006-20, identify its driving forces, and develop policies and strategies to address it.

Researchers will seek to promote sustainable and equitable blue economies along Michigan’s coastline, addressing residential displacement and advancing justice and inclusion.

Read the full article in the University Record.