specialists — sociologists, lawyers, economists, engineers, 

 oceanographers, biologists, botanists, zoologists, and marine 

 scientists — can be assembled to mount research efforts contributing 

 to the development, effective use, and prudent management of 

 marine resources. 



To identify and respond to local and regional needs or oppor- 

 tunities, members of the Sea Grant network seek the active 

 involvement and support of State and local governments, marine 

 businesses and industries, and the general public. Their planning is 

 assisted by advisory councils, committees, and information flowing 

 back through marine advisory services. Research and development 

 performed by Sea Grant institutions has provided the basis for at 

 least 10 new industries or components of industries and resulted in 

 countless industrial applications or benefits. 



The marine resources that Sea Grant works to understand, use, 

 and manage lie on the shorelines of the United States, Great Lakes, 

 and island territories; in coastal lands; bays, estuaries, tidal rivers, 

 and offshore waters; and on the sea floor and subsoil of the 

 continental shelf out to a depth of 200 meters or as far as natural 

 resources can be exploited. 



MARINE RESOURCES 



Sea-Grant-sponsored aquaculture programs for the cultivation of 

 finfish, shellfish, and seaweeds are coordinated with those of 

 NOAA's NMFS. For the most part, the studies examine the 

 interrelated physical, chemical, biological, nutritional, pathological, 

 medical, engineering, processing, and environmental components of 

 aquaculture systems, as well as the associated legal, socioeconomic, 

 and marketing problems or benefits. 



Forms of aquaculture being investigated with Sea Grant support 

 range in technical complexity from stocking waters with hatchery or 

 nursery-raised young, through shore-based cultivation systems that 

 take in and expel water, to completely closed systems in which water 

 is recirculated. 



To obtain the maximum benefit from ocean fishing resources. Sea 

 Grant researchers are developing new techniques and equipment for 

 assessing and harvesting fish stocks; for combatting diseases, fungi, 

 and parasites that affect marine life; and for improving the quality, 

 increasing the shelf life, and preventing deterioration in appearance 

 and taste of fresh, canned, and frozen seafoods. 



U.S. consumers exhibit strong preferences for certain finfish, 

 shellfish, and crustaceans, such as salmon, oysters, and lobsters. 

 The favored species become overharvested and grow scarce and 

 expensive. Meanwhile, other species— perhaps because they are 



90 



