NA24OARX417C0146

Purpose: The overall purpose of this proposal is to integrate research, outreach (extension and communications) and education on locally, regionally and nationally relevant coastal and marine issues related to our four focus areas: (1) sustainable aquaculture and fisheries; (2) healthy coastal ecosystems; (3) resilient communities and economies; and (4) environmental literacy and workforce development. More details can be found in the Connecticut Sea Grant 2024-2027 strategic plan.

Activities to be performed: The director and associate director will guide the overall program to align with the associated strategic plan. We will develop and implement extension programs under the guidance of the extension program leader and three team leads to address the strategic goals. Actions related to achieving environmental literacy and workforce development goals are foundationally integrated into the work of each team.

We will support research projects to advance the state of the knowledge relevant to program priorities and the needs of our stakeholders, as well as a quick turnaround development fund program to kick start good ideas. We will provide extension and technology transfer services to the residents of Connecticut, addressing current and emerging needs through the sharing of science-based information, the neutral facilitation of community conversations and partnership building. We will ensure that the various research, extension, education and outreach projects are regularly shared through a variety of in-person, print and digital platforms. Importantly, the program will be intentionally and purposefully involved in local and regional strategic partnerships to leverage resources and capacity.

Expected outcomes: It is anticipated that effective and strategic management and program administration will help coordinate program activities (across functional and topical areas), develop and nurture strategic partnerships, and leverage additional capacity and resources to maximize program impacts and accomplishments for the benefits of stakeholders in our state, region and nation. Specifically, we anticipate that (1) aquaculture and fisheries and other coastal natural resources supply food, jobs and economic, environmental and cultural benefits; (2) natural resources are sustainably managed to support fishing communities and industries, including commercial, recreational, subsistence fisheries and aquaculture; (3) coastal and marine waters, habitats, ecosystems and the living resources and services they provide are protected, enhanced and/or restored.

Communities have the necessary resources and knowledge to enhance their resilience by preparing for and adapting to extreme and chronic weather and coastal hazards associated with climate change and associated economic disruptions and other threats to community health and well-being; (5) a diverse, environmentally literate public understands, values, and respects the coastal environment and maritime heritage; and (6) a diverse, skilled and environmentally literate coastal, marine and maritime workforce thrives.

Intended beneficiaries: The program aims to benefit stakeholders (industry members, communities, local, state and federal government agencies, scientists, teachers, students and interested citizens) in our state, region and nation.

Subrecipient activities: Subrecipients of the award will include six competitively awarded research projects for the first two-year cycle, an anticipated similar number of research projects for the second two-year cycle, and funds for a regional research initiative in collaboration with the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center on social science topics related to offshore wind.

University Of Connecticut

TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF MAJOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR MARINE RESOURCES RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING AND TO SUPPORT MARINE ADVISORY SERVICES. SOME INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS IN THESE SAME AREAS ALSO RECEIVE FUNDING.

11.417 - Sea Grant Support

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [DOC]

Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut 062699018 United States

Single Zip Code

NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-23187

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 125% from $2,104,202 to $4,725,677.