The University of Maine designated a Sea Grant College Program May 27, 2004 Story archive

The University of Maine has been designated a Sea Grant College Program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), joining a network of 28 official Sea Grant College programs that conduct marine education, training, and research. Theodore Kassinger, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Bill Brennan, NOAA Deputy Assistant Secretary of International Affairs will attend the designation ceremony, held at the Buchanan Alumni House in Orono, Maine.

"As underscored in the recent U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Report, NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program is recognized for its exemplary education, outreach, and extension services. The establishment of the University of Maine's official Sea Grant College status is yet another benchmark in this outstanding track record," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher.

The Commission report, the first review of national ocean policy in over 30 years, observes that Sea Grant programs have the organization and infrastructure to conduct educational activities that will expand understanding of ocean ecosystems.

"This recognition acknowledges the important role that the Maine Sea Grant College Program and the University can play as our state addresses the many challenges associated with our coastal and marine resources," said Maine Sea Grant director Paul Anderson. As policymakers and regulators at the state and federal level reevaluate ocean governance, the contributions of Maine Sea Grant and The University of Maine will receive greater attention.

The Sea Grant College Program links marine and coastal researchers and educators at the University, in particular the School of Marine Sciences, with NOAA's vast databases of environmental and resource information, and provides access to NOAA ships, laboratories, and computing capabilities. Locally, Sea Grant supports scientific research that addresses marine and coastal resource issues of immediate concern to Maine citizens.

College program designation required a rigorous review process by a panel of experts from around the nation, which was coordinated by the National Sea Grant Review Panel. The review team found that Maine Sea Grant is viewed as an unbiased, science-based organization capable of leading and facilitating discussions on controversial topics, such as aquaculture and fisheries regulations. The Marine Extension Team of Maine Sea Grant and The University of Maine Cooperative Extension reaches out to Maine residents along the coast on issues ranging from aquaculture and cooperative fisheries to water quality monitoring, island use, and salt marsh restoration. The Marine Extension Team translates research results to Maine coastal residents, and brings information from stakeholders back to researchers so that they are aware of the most important issues facing the state.

Sea Grant has had a presence in Maine since the 1970s, and the University formerly had Sea Grant College status in a joint program with New Hampshire, but the two separated in 2000 to develop individual programs.

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