Hodgson Family Foundation Projects
Five Scientific Research Projects, Funded by the Hodgson Family Foundation, Selected and Supported by Georgian Bay Forever
The Hodgson Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports Canadian charities with a focus on purpose-driven environmental projects. Since first submitting a proposal to the Foundation in 2023, their contributions and support of our conservation work in Georgian Bay have been invaluable. Over the years, this connection would evolve into a deeply meaningful and transformational relationship.
In line with their own values, the Foundation appreciates our commitment to measurable impact, transparency, and continuous improvement—particularly our willingness to learn from challenges, adapt to change, and pursue innovative solutions. Inspired by this approach, in 2026 they presented us with a unique opportunity. Following the passing of the Foundation’s matriarch, a considerable estate became available to support charitable initiatives. Due to specific disbursement requirements, this funding could only be granted to organizations registered in both the US and Canada.
While the Foundation could not directly fund our work, they entrusted us with the role of strategic partner and grant managers for the Foundation’s final distribution of funds. Our first responsibility was to identify high-impact research projects led by U.S.-affiliated institutions that address critical knowledge gaps in Georgian Bay and advance our mission to protect this extraordinary ecosystem through science, education, and action. Following a rigorous and comprehensive review process, we selected five standout projects designed to strengthen regional conservation work through a deeper understanding of Georgian Bay’s ecosystem. We now act as the post-award grant managers, working to monitor progress, track milestones, foster connection and communication, and promote the demonstrated impact.
We are thrilled to introduce these five groundbreaking research projects in support of the conservation and long-term health of Georgian Bay.
The Projects
Michigan State University
Juvenile Fish Ecology in Georgian Bay: Movement, Predation, and the Influence of Aquaculture Net-Pen Operations
This project will study how juvenile fish use habitats around aquaculture net-pens in Parry Sound and compare their movements to those in nearby natural nursery areas, including sheltered embayments and wetland shorelines. Using acoustic telemetry tags, researchers will track young fish for two years to determine where they spend their time, when they move, and whether net-pens influence their risk of predation. By focusing on juvenile fish, this work addresses a knowledge gap about how human activities shape Georgian Bay’s fish communities.
UWM Foundation, Inc.
Methylmercury Formation in Georgian Bay and the Influence of Invasive Quagga Mussels
Mercury (Hg) remains a persistent threat to Georgian Bay as levels in fish remain high enough to warrant sustained fish consumption advisories. Hg accumulates in the food web and converts to neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg). This study seeks to characterize where in Georgian Bay this toxic MeHg is produced. Furthermore, we aim to investigate how the invasive Dreissenid mussel, which has fundamentally rewired the Bay's ecology, impacts the microbial production of MeHg. This research will provide the first comprehensive survey of MeHg production in Georgian Bay.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Mapping the Microplastics Threat in Georgian Bay: Next-Generation Methods for Plastics Distributions and Ecotoxicology
This project will assess microplastics pollution across Georgian Bay’s waters and sediments using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques and statistical frameworks to better assess transport, fate, and ecological risks of microplastics. The team will map plastic pollution at an unprecedented level of detail, quantify particle size ranges paired with new methods for error estimation and data harmonization, and apply these new data to develop hydrodynamic models of microplastics movement in Georgian Bay.
Michigan Technological University
Building Coastal Resilience in Georgian Bay: Integrated Modeling and AI Tools for Extreme Water Levels, Flooding, and Coastal Erosion
This project will develop an integrated coastal resilience assessment system for Georgian Bay that combines advanced hydrodynamic modeling, wave and sediment transport simulations, and artificial intelligence (AI)– based hazard prediction tools. Using a coupled modeling framework, the project will quantify extreme water levels, storm-driven flooding, wave impacts, and shoreline erosion across Georgian Bay. The results will be delivered as actionable datasets, maps, and decision-support tools to GBF and its partners, supporting shoreline stewardship, habitat protection, and climate adaptation planning.
University of Michigan -
School for Environment and Sustainability
Laying the Groundwork for an Environmental Monitoring Network for Manoomin Restoration in Georgian Bay
This project will develop an integrated coastal resilience assessment system for Georgian Bay that combines advanced hydrodynamic modeling, wave and sediment transport simulations, and artificial intelligence (AI)– based hazard prediction tools. Using a coupled modeling framework, the project will quantify extreme water levels, storm-driven flooding, wave impacts, and shoreline erosion across Georgian Bay. The results will be delivered as actionable datasets, maps, and decision-support tools to GBF and its partners, supporting shoreline stewardship, habitat protection, and climate adaptation planning.
