NOAA AWARDS MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION TO ALASKA SEA GRANT
Grant Supports Northeastern Ocean and Coastal Regions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a $1,429,500 grant to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks to fund programs and research by Alaska Sea Grant.

This grant through NOAA’s Sea Grant College Program will focus on bolstering the long-term value of Alaska's marine resources by funding scientific research on marine ecosystems and the effects of human activity and natural environmental changes on ocean resources. Specific programs will emphasize coastal communities and economies, ecosystems and habitats, fisheries, marine and aquatic science literacy, and seafood science and technology

“Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “Therefore, the ocean and coastal regions of the state are vital to its economic health.”

The University of Alaska, Fairbanks Sea Grant Program is one of 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address marine, coastal and Great Lakes issues. By serving as a gateway to relevant and reliable scientific information, Sea Grant helps assure that individuals can make informed choices about their use and stewardship of marine and coastal resources.

Each year, NOAA awards approximately $900 million in grants to members of the academic, scientific, education, 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 35 years.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, 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.

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