U.S. Congress Continues Bipartisan Investment in National Sea Grant Network; Hawai‘i Delegation Secu

Contact:

U.S. Congress Continues Bipartisan Investment in National Sea Grant Network; Hawai'i Delegation Secures $2.4 Million for Local Resilience

(HONOLULU, HI) - Across the United States, a powerful bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to coastal health by extending the National Sea Grant College Program authorization through 2031. Sea Grant serves as a national engine for coastal resilience, sustainable seafood, workforce development, and environmental literacy, and the network of 34 university-based programs spans the U.S. coastal and Great Lakes states and territories, including Guam and Puerto Rico.

Established by the National Sea Grant College Program Act of 1966, this federal-university partnership leverages a nationwide network of professionals to solve the most pressing economic and environmental challenges facing the American coastline.

Spotlight on Hawai'i: A ~ $2.4 Million Investment

While the program operates on a national scale, its success is felt most acutely through local implementation. Due to the unwavering advocacy of the Hawai'i Congressional Delegation, the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai'i Sea Grant) has been awarded ~$2.4 million in federal funding. This investment ensures that Hawai'i remains a leader in island sustainability, providing the resources necessary to protect the state's unique marine ecosystems and develop a robust blue economy workforce.

Leadership from the Hawai'i Delegation

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a pivotal role in the reauthorization and amendment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act in 2020. His continued leadership ensures the guiding framework for NOAA's National Sea Grant Office effectively serves both the nation and the Pacific region.

"Sea Grant does incredibly important work, including promoting adaptation to king tides in Waikīkī, fighting to save corals, and leading community-based stewardship of land and ocean across the state. We're going to continue working to deliver more funding so that Sea Grant can keep building a more resilient Hawai'i."

U.S. Representative Ed Case (First District - Hawai'i) emphasized that this funding is a critical safeguard for the state's future, particularly as we face extreme disasters.

"In these uncertain times, we must redouble our efforts to support all those working to preserve and protect our coastal and marine ecosystems like our University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program," said Representative Case. "Hawai'i Sea Grant is a prime example of focus over decades on critical issues related to sustainable coastal development, tourism, hazard resiliency, sustainable aquaculture, Indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change."

Building a Resilient Future

With this $2.4 million allocation, Hawai'i Sea Grant will continue to bridge the gap between academic research and community action. The program supports a wide array of initiatives, from fostering environmental literacy to weaving traditional Indigenous knowledge into management and conservation strategies.

By securing these funds, the Hawai'i Congressional Delegation has ensured that the state's coastal communities remain vibrant, sustainable, and prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

The Sea Grant Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Sea Grant program concept is collecting testimonies from the public on why they value Sea Grant at https://www.seagrant.org/advocate to demonstrate impacts and support justification for federal support in 2027.

About Hawai'i Sea Grant: The University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program is part of NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 university-based programs that support an innovative program of research, education, extension, and communication services directed to increasing sustainability of coastal and marine resources and resilience of coastal communities of the state, region and nation.

For more information, visit: https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/news-and-events/in-the-news/