732 



46 



Appendix IV.G. 



Title: The Sea Grant College Program 



Issue: How to support and encourage high quality university-based applied marine research, 

 education and extension, consistent with NOAA marine stewardship missions. 



Relevance: Through university-based research programs. Sea Grant directly influences marine 

 resource development and management by providing research, advice and outreach services. 

 Research focus includes marine resource development (i.e., fisheries, marine biotechnology), 

 ecosystem protection, and estuarine resource management addressing NOAA mission issues on 

 a local level. Sea Grant education and extension functions provide the means to disseminate 

 information to the public and, in an interactive mode, to targeted user groups. 



Background and Approach: Individual Sea Grant institutions, working with local universities, 

 issue a Request for Proposals to conduct relevant research as defined through an interactive 

 process with NOAA. The Sea Grant institution then prepares a two-year omnibus proposal 

 consisting of a number of sub-proposals, which are subjected to a merit review by NOAA. A 

 final program is then negotiated within budgets provided by Congress. There is a 33% cost 

 share required by law which consists of state and industry dollars. 



Partners: NOAA, academia, state agencies and legislatures, private industry, and sometimes, 

 other Federal agencies. 



Motivating Factor: The need to support and encourage applied marine research on a local or 

 regional level by utilizing the already existing expertise resident in oceanographic research 

 institutions. Also, the need for a local mechanism to disseminate information. 



Products: The Sea Grant program provides research results, workshop proceedings, 

 informative publications, graduate student stipends. Congressional fellowships, advice to 

 coastal communities, and training. 



Impact Or Benefit: Sea Grant allows academics to conduct research not normally supported by 

 agencies with extramural funds (e.g. fishery research). Allows academics to better serve the 

 marine community within the states. Makes research findings and results relevant by 

 providing an information transfer mechanism. 



