WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today unanimously approved a bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant), which provides education, training, and technical assistance programs that promote the understanding and utilization of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3160), reauthorizes Sea Grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 through FY 2014.

 

Senators Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and John Kerry (D-Mass.) co-sponsored the bill. Modeled after the Land Grant College System, the National Sea Grant College Program Act of 1966 created Sea Grant. The Program is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), university based programs, coastal and Great Lakes states, industry, and 300 partner institutions that addresses national, regional, and local coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes issues.

 

This bill would reauthorize Sea Grant for the tenth time since its inception.

“I am pleased that the Commerce Committee has moved so quickly to reauthorize this important program,” said Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Sea Grant fellows have provided expertise and leadership on any number of issues relating to our ocean and coastal resources. The Sea Grant program has been invaluable to the cause of ensuring that these resources and ecosystems will be protected for future generations.” 

“The National Sea Grant College Program has been valuable in providing research and outreach to Alaska’s fishing community and has helped Alaska maintain its status as a leader in sustainable fisheries,” said Senator Stevens, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “I  am glad that the Commerce Committee has approved this bill which is vital to keeping America’s oceans and coasts healthy.”

 

The Act would authorize $675 million for FY 2009 through FY 2014. The bill also would invest in services that integrate scientific research and extension services, and encourage increased collaboration among state Sea Grant programs.

 

The major provisions of the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 would:

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