Putting science to work for Massachusetts coastal communities
A part of the NOAA-funded National Sea Grant Program, WHOI Sea Grant supports coastal communities through research, extension and education.
Our mission is to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources by developing and sharing science-based knowledge to create a sustainable economy and environment for the diverse communities of Massachusetts.
"What makes Sea Grant unique is that it facilitates the transfer of scientific results so that people can use it. And it provides a great opportunity to support fundamental science."
- Jeff Donnelly, Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
"I always bring back something to use in the classroom--lessons, videos, ideas, or actual physical artifacts. These workshops have strengthened my teaching and bring excitement to the subject matter."
- Middle school teacher, a participant in the WHSG Topics in Oceanography workshops
“Sea Grant has been a hugely impactful program for guiding my research focus over the past several years. It has provided ... a great opportunity to produce fundamental research in coastal marine ecology while working and communicating with local communities and industry stakeholders who rely on coastal ecosystem health, especially in the Cape Cod and Islands region.”
- Jeanette Wheeler, MIT-WHOI Joint Program graduate
“Woods Hole Sea Grant’s ongoing efforts to support our industry’s remarkable growth--through water quality and disease monitoring--have proved crucial time and again."
- Chris Sherman, Island Creek Oyster
"Woods Hole Sea Grant has enabled the Kelp Ecosystem Ecology Network (KEEN) to get off the ground and expand. Without the funding from WHSG we wouldn’t be able to expand our efforts in New England. It’s been incredibly valuable and useful." - Jarrett Byrnes, assistant professor of biology, UMass Boston
“Sea Grant is seminal – the grants may be modest but they help generate preliminary data and fundamental improvements to a regional issue that can then leap frog into something with even more funding and significance." - Scott Lindell, research specialist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Research
WHOI Sea Grant supports scientists from institutions throughout Massachusetts and beyond, conducting research in the areas of marine life, coastal processes, hazards, energy sources, climate change, stormwater management and tourism.
Extension
WHOI Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension are partnered to provide reliable technical and science‐based information on fisheries and aquaculture and coastal processes and hazards to distinct stakeholders within our region.
Education
Sea Grant educators and communicators provide valuable leadership in marine and aquatic science education activities for K‐8 students, professional development workshops for educators, and public education and outreach in coastal communities.
Updates and Events
Cape Cod Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program to Run April 1 – June 30, 2023
This spring, boaters from across Cape Cod can choose from six locations to recycle the plastic wrap that protects their boat in the off-season. The Cape Cod shrink wrap recycling program reduces the amount of plastic entering our waste stream…
Read MoreFalmouth Participates in Cape-wide Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program
This spring, the town of Falmouth will be accepting boat shrink wrap plastic at the town’s waste management facility as part of a recycling program run by WHOI Sea Grant and Barnstable County’ Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in partnership with…
Read MoreSummer Communications Internship Opportunity
WHOI Sea Grant Communications Internship June 2023 – August 2023 WHOI Sea Grant is seeking a matriculating undergraduate student with an academic focus on visual and written communications, ideally with an interest or coursework in the sciences. This internship will…
Read MoreMashpee Residents Reap the Benefits of Stronger Coastal Resilience with Reduced Flood Insurance Costs
Through joint efforts of the Town of Mashpee, WHOI and Barnstable County, local residents and business owners can expect savings totaling $70,000 in insurance annually. Mashpee, MA – Mashpee residents and business owners with a National Flood Insurance Program…
Read MoreBiennial Request for Proposals
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant (WHOI Sea Grant) requests proposals for two-year projects (2024-2025) from investigators at academic, research and educational institutions throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Funded projects will fill information gaps or provide innovative solutions to pressing…
Read More2022 Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference
After a longer than expected hiatus, the Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference is back! The much-anticipated 6th meeting of the Islands Coastal Conference series will be held on October 24th at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven. This free…
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