Funds will support six research projects that address critical aquatic ecosystem and watershed challenges
(HARRISBURG, PA) –The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program is pleased to announce $1.07 million in funding for aquatic and watershed-related research in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Sea Grant conducts and supports scientific research that enhances the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, watershed, and Great Lakes resources to create a healthy environment, resilient and inclusive communities, and a strong and sustainable economy.
The current biennial research investment supports researchers and students affiliated with The George Washington University, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Behrend, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Hazleton, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Penn State University, and matching funds from participating investigator institutions.
The research will take place 2022 through 2024, and include:
• Developing flash-flood resilience in areas with buried streams and shallow groundwater: improving stormwater design guidance and community understanding through science and ethnography.
• Ecosystem services assessment for green stormwater infrastructure in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
• Flood adaptation co-benefits of nutrient management.
• The influence of freshwater algal blooms on the fate of anthropogenic particulate pollutants.
• Aquatic food web changes to invasive Flathead Catfish along a natural invasion gradient.
• Population and pollutant estimates for invasive snails in Presque Isle State Park.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant-supported research has the potential to yield solution-based results to assist decision makers, address pressing coastal and watershed issues, and develop or update statewide water quality and coastal management strategies. Since 2012, Pennsylvania Sea Grant has invested $4.7 million, supporting 68 competitive research projects conducted by 23 institutions, which has also led to research experience for 146 undergraduate, 37 graduate, and 24 Ph.D. students.
“Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s competitive research program supports researchers and students investigating critical ecological and economic issues impacting communities and waters across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Sean Rafferty, Research Director for Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “This research support has the potential to produce solution-based results that contribute to enhanced water quality and natural resource management strategies in Pennsylvania.”
The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources, and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.
The next request for research proposals will be released Thursday, January 5, 2023, for research projects beginning in 2024. Staff will host an informational webinar on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at noon EST to discuss the request for proposals. Register –https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7UhrapjKTw2_KeU9rsi4tw.
