Our Research Priorities

researcher on a boat throwing fish off

Support for sound scientific research and those who undertake it is at core of Maryland Sea Grant's mission. With a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Sea Grant has a tradition of fostering innovative scientific inquiry and analysis. We emphasize projects that offer practical applications for the protection and restoration of Maryland’s coastal resources. This work promotes the sustainability of Maryland’s environment and economy.

Our funding opportunities: Every two years, we award scientists approximately $1 million in research grants using a rigorous, competitive peer review process. Smaller Program Development grants are often available between biennial cycles to address urgent or emerging needs with high relevance to society.
Our research focuses: We choose priority research topics through a collaborative strategic-planning process that engages scientists, our advisory board, our partners, and the public. Currently these topics are:

Resilient Ecosystem Processes and Responses

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Resilient Communities and Economies

Our results: The research we have funded at institutions throughout Maryland has led to improved knowledge and new tools that are informing issues of critical importance to the state, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the nation. These projects have examined topics such as coastal and estuarine function, ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based fisheries management, aquaculture, and seafood technology. Learn more about the impacts these projects are making.
Our outreach: We expect research projects to include public outreach and engagement components to ensure that the results of cutting-edge science will be put to work on the ground -- and in the water.
Our funding sources: Our funding comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the state of Maryland. Additionally, our efforts are supported by our administrative home, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Questions? Contact Michael Allen, Ph.D., Assistant Director for Research, (301) 405-6372 or mallen@mdsg.umd.edu.

Program Announcements

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Maryland Sea Grant seeks to hire a Coastal Climate Specialist to help communities deal with the effects of climate change and other issues. More details.

Maryland Sea Grant seeks to hire a Science Writer / Editor to explain and share findings from scientists, extension agents, and other sources to help advance public understanding and management of Maryland's natural resources. More details.

Maryland Sea Grant seeks to hire an Information Technology Coordinator to implement, administer, and strengthen our use of existing and new information technology. More details.

Knauss legislative fellowships in Congress help build careers — and they're fun and educational. See our video and fact sheet for details.

Maryland Sea Grant has program development funds for start-up efforts or strategic support for emerging areas of research. Apply here.

Featured Research Project

Understanding the Effectiveness of the Watershed Stewards Academies in Maryland

Watershed Stewards Academies (WSAs) are part of a national movement to train citizens to become Master Watershed Stewards in their communities. In Maryland, they are based on a specific model of stewardship and are currently training environmental stewards in three regions of the state. This project employs a variety of social science research methods to study the local franchises of this organization and their connections to communities in Maryland. Integrating closed-ended survey and open-ended semi-structured interview research methods, this project will assess the experience of WSA participants, analyze how they connect to government offices, community groups, and individual volunteers, as well as determine the actual environmental effects of the Watershed Stewards Academies in each region.