BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today, along with Congressman Bill Delahunt, announced that the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute would receive $990,000 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The funding will be used for the Woods Hole Sea Grant program, which supports research, education and extension projects that channel the expertise of ocean scientists toward meeting the research and information needs of users of the marine environment. It works to encourage environmental stewardship, long-term economic development and responsible use of the resources of the nation’s coast.

“For decades, the Sea Grant program at Woods Hole has been on the cutting edge of critical issues impacting Massachusetts’ coastal waters. Sea Grant’s innovative research and technology efforts have helped coastal states across the nation on everything from fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystems to our ever-changing coastline,” said John Kerry.

“Our marine resources in the Commonwealth are among the most pristine and valuable in the world, and it’s essential that our policies give high priority to their long-term preservation,” said Senator Kennedy. “I commend Woods Hold for its extraordinary work to protect our coastline for future generations.”

“I applaud the dedicated professionals at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for their tireless efforts and research into conservation, technology and economic development projects affecting our maritime heritage and the responsible use of our coastal waters,” said Congressman Delahunt. “The Sea Grant Program’s track record of success speaks for itself and I am pleased to say has once again been clearly recognized by NOAA and the federal government.”

Public and private institutions throughout Massachusetts, and the northeast region of the country, participate in the Woods Hole Sea Grant Program.

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