US-Partnered Research Projects
Five Scientific Research Projects, Funded by a Partner Foundation, Selected by Georgian Bay Forever
Georgian Bay Forever is proud to partner and affiliate with several philanthropic organizations that allow for significant research and groundbreaking work in the field of aquatic ecosystem research. One such organization, an anonymous foundation (referred to from here as the Foundation), has been of particular significance in the advancement of Georgian Bay's conservation.
Inspired by our willingness to learn from challenges, adapt to change, and pursue innovative solutions, the Foundation presented us in 2025 with a unique opportunity: to select five US-based institutions conducting research projects with the express purpose of addressing critical knowledge gaps in Georgian Bay and fortifying its ecosystem through science, education, and action. Following a rigorous and comprehensive review process, we selected five standout projects designed to strengthen regional conservation efforts by deepening understanding of Georgian Bay’s ecosystem. Due to distribution requirements, GBF did not receive any of these gifts—funding went directly to the US research institutions responsible for the work, and we are honoured to have been trusted to recommend these projects in line with our goals to protect Georgian Bay waters.
We will continue to monitor progress, track milestones, foster connection and communication, and promote the demonstrated impacts of these projects through to completion.
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.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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.
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 proposes to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive environmental monitoring network in partnership with University of Michigan, Loyola University of Chicago and First Nation communities to support their potential Manoomin (wild rice) restoration efforts in Georgian Bay. The project will deploy advanced environmental sensors to characterize the physical, chemical, and biological conditions at existing and potential Manoomin restoration sites, providing the evidence base needed to guide restoration site selection, inform adaptive management decisions, and evaluate restoration success.
