A team of social science researchers from the University of Waikato have successfully secured funding for their research on the Maketu Estuary.

Dr Patrick Barrett, Professor Priya Kurian and Dr Naomi Simmonds have received a grant of nearly $300,000 for their Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge project.

The Maketu Estuary, where the research into the marine ecosystem will take place. Supplied Photo.

The group's project will evaluate the implementation of a unique marine ecosystem restoration strategy in Maketu Estuary, with backing by the community.

The research will draw on social science and Kaupapa Māori methodology to understand the process of designing sustainable collaborative arrangements in the context of the marine environment.

The Waikato project is the only social science grant among the eight successful scientific research projects announced by Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce for the National Science Challenge.

'These new projects will help the Challenge aim of enhancing the use of New Zealand's marine resources, as well as helping New Zealanders to better understand and manage the oceans surrounding us,” says Stephen Joyce.

The Sustainable Seas innovation fund offers up to $1.5 million a year to support projects, with a value of up to $150,000 per year for each project.