The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program Tuesday announced the award of $972,000 in grants to support applied research to help inform decision makers as they address some of the region’s most pressing coastal and watershed issues.

“Pennsylvania Sea Grant supports science-based research to expand our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, coastlines, and watersheds, all identified as priority concerns for the Commonwealth, ” said Sean Rafferty, Research Director for Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “This research has the potential to yield solution-based results, and contribute to enhanced water quality and natural resource management strategies in Pennsylvania.”

Through this biennial research program, Pennsylvania Sea Grant is providing funding to researchers affiliated with Penn State University campuses, Temple University, Gettysburg College, and the Fish and Boat Commission.

The funding will support seven research projects across Pennsylvania that will take place 2018 through 2020. Research projects will investigate:

-- The ability of green absorbents to improve the performance of green stormwater infrastructure systems and improve water quality;

-- Mapping microbes and pathogens in the Susquehanna River Basin;

-- An analysis of the age and growth patterns of the Flathead Catfish within native and invasive populations, and implications for fish species management;

-- Modeling bluff retreat and sediment loss along Lake Erie, in western Erie County;

-- A carrying capacity analysis for Presque Isle State Park;

-- The impacts of introduced Round Goby on aquatic community structure in Pennsylvania watersheds; and

-- Analytical methodology for the identification and quantification of legacy and emerging contaminants that contribute to current disease in Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River Basin.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Pennsylvania Sea Grant website.

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[Posted: July 10, 2018]

7/16/2018