The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded more than $1.4 million to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to support programs and research conducted by the Maryland Sea Grant College Program, a cooperative effort of Maryland universities and laboratories.

First established in 1977, the Maryland Sea Grant College supports innovative marine research and education, with a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay. With funding from NOAA and the State of Maryland, the Maryland Sea Grant-supported research targets practical problems with the aim of promoting wise decision making.

The award funds programs in coastal and marine research and education and outreach in such areas as coastal ecosystem health and public safety, aquaculture, biotechnology, seafood production, economic leadership and program administration. The Maryland Sea Grant College Program is one of 30 Sea Grant college programs located in coastal and Great Lake states supported by NOAA.

“This NOAA grant provides funding necessary to support research, education and extension, while providing decision makers and the public with the necessary science to better manage marine issues in Maryland,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “NOAA and the Bush Administration are committed to working with the academic community to improve our understanding of the environment.”

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 resources. Maryland Sea Grant is administered by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science on behalf of the thirteen campus University System of Maryland.

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 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.

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NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov