About

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector.

Each year, the program scrutinizes the impact it has on coastal communities, serving people and better understanding the Great Lakes ecosystem. Our 2026 program one sheet provides a summary.

Mission

Support and enhance the sustainable use, conservation and health of Great Lakes resources and the well-being of Great Lakes communities through research, education and outreach.

Vision

A future with diverse, thriving coastal communities and ecosystems that are supported by an engaged, environmentally literate public and informed decision-makers.

National impacts

Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the continental United States, as well as Guam, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Collectively, these programs have a large impact on the health and vitality of the nation’s economy and ecosystems.

Program documents

Directory of Projects and People

The 2024-26 Directory of Projects and People includes details about the Sea Grant research projects to take place during these two years, as well as the outreach initiatives.

Program fact sheet

Sea Grant is locally focused and for more than 50 years, has been fostering the sustainable use of Wisconsin’s Great Lakes. Check out some of the program’s job-creation, student-supporting and stakeholder-assistance numbers in the 2026 Wisconsin Sea Grant Fact Sheet.

Awards

Wisconsin Sea Grant staff have been recognized for their accomplishments. The program’s publications and websites have also received notice. Sea Grant has also awarded recognition of its own to valued advocates and partners.