The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $965,500 grant to the University of Connecticut to support its Sea Grant program. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The grant will finance the second year of a comprehensive program of coastal research, education and outreach. Program projects include marine biotechnology research, wetland research including saltmarsh bird conservation and restoration, sustainable seafood production, a coastal internship program, Sea Grant education and communications programs, and land use education and tools for coastal communities.

“The University of Connecticut's Sea Grant program plays a vital role in research, education, and outreach of the Long Island Sound. The sound is a source of livelihood, nourishment and recreation for many in Connecticut and New York, and must be protected and preserved,” said Representative Rob Simmons, R-Conn. “As Chairman of the Congressional Long Island Sound Caucus, I am pleased that NOAA has once again provided critical funding for the UCONN Sea Grant program.”

“This grant to the University of Connecticut will help advance knowledge critical to marine efforts in the Long Island Sound and throughout the nation,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “NOAA and the Bush Administration are working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen local initiatives like those run by the University of Connecticut’s Sea Grant program.”

NOAA Sea Grant is a unique partnership between the nation's universities and NOAA. Connecticut Sea Grant collaborates with maritime industries and coastal communities to identify needs as well as applied fund research, outreach and educational activities with specific relevance to Connecticut and Long Island Sound. The Connecticut Sea Grant’s mission strives to foster the wise use and conservation of coastal and marine resources.

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’s goals and programs reflect a commitment to these basic responsibilities of science and service to the nation for the past 34 years.

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.