The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a grant for more than $1.9 million to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to support conservation of Atlantic Coast fisheries. The grant will support programs that help coordinate the conservation and management of the states’ shared near-shore fishery resources – marine, shell and anadromous – for sustainable use. The commission’s 15 member states are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

“We are constantly working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen regional initiatives like the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This grant allows states to work together to manage their fisheries resources while actively supporting efforts that reinforce NOAA and the Bush Administration’s commitment to the environment.”

"We are delighted. This award will enable the Commission and our member states to continue the important work of restoring Atlantic Coastal stocks through the proven strategy of close state-federal partnerships," said John V. O'Shea, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission executive director.

Each year, NOAA awards approximately $900 million in grants to members of the academic, scientific and business communities to assist the agency in fulfilling its mission to study the Earth’s natural systems in order to predict environmental change, manage ocean resources, protect life and property and provide decision makers with reliable scientific information. NOAA goals and programs reflect a commitment to these basic responsibilities of science and service to the nation for the past 33 years.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.