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
Recreational Shellfishing Survey
Did you participate in the recreational shellfish fishery in one of the 15 towns of Cape Cod in 2019 and 2020? If yes, we need your help! Please take this survey to help us identify opportunities and concerns for recreational shellfishers.…
Read MoreCommunity Effort Provides $79,950 in COVID-19 Related Rapid Response Grants to Support Massachusetts Municipal Shellfish Initiatives
Woods Hole, MIT Sea Grant Programs lead effort with assistance from Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Cape Cod 5, and Massachusetts Oyster Project to benefit both recreational and commercial fisheries across region. The Woods Hole and Massachusetts Institute of…
Read MorePhoto Essay – Aquaculture and Acidification Project
Follow along in this photo essay as Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension respond to a question asked by members of the Massachusetts shellfish aquaculture industry. Lab studies show that shellfish exposed to acidic conditions will have…
Read MoreHomeowner’s Handbook Helps Guide Residents Through Coastal Storms
Protect your home and your family from the natural hazards that are part of life near the coast. Download a free PDF of this newly updated resource, the Massachusetts Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards. Produced by Woods Hole Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.
Read MoreFunding Opportunity: Community-Focused Ocean Renewable Energy Research
Get Your Dune Protection Signs
WHOI Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension are providing dune protections signs for free in order to prevent uninformed beach-goers from damaging fragile coastal resources. The artwork on the signs was created by students across Massachusetts as part…
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