Delaware Sea Grant receives federal grant to further mission

Sen, Tom Carper joined University of Delaware officials July 9 at the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment to announce a $685,000 grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Delaware Sea Grant College Program.

The program helps people wisely use, manage and conserve Delaware's valuable marine and coastal resources. The funding announcement makes the total Delaware Sea Grant funding for the year $2.1 million, with more than two-thirds of its funds coming from the federal government.

"Delaware Sea Grant's important work speaks for itself," said Carper. "From helping our coastal communities become more resilient to climate change, to preserving and protecting our environment, Delaware Sea Grant is a federal investment that brings immense returns to our state.

"In fact, the small taxpayer investment in the program yields an 825 percent return. That seems like a win-win to me," Carper said.

"Delaware Sea Grant is one of the best examples of how our science can serve our community effectively," said Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. "In all of its work, whether the research it funds or the extension work it undertakes in communities around the state, Delaware Sea Grant consults closely with stakeholders to determine what could be truly helpful."

What it does

Delaware Sea Grant helps to create and maintain resilient communities and economies by studying coastal resiliency and making recommendations so that Delaware can be prepared for flooding and other climate change effects.

Researchers help communities and local business owners identify activities that are essential for continued operation, preparing for risks and creating a recovering plan in the event of a natural disaster.

Last year, Delaware Sea Grant worked with the Town of Leipsic, which is alongside Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, to make significant strides in promoting the town and its working waterfront.

One Rehoboth Beach business owner, Jody Dengler of Sun Otter Tours, was on hand to talk about how Delaware Sea Grant has helped her business.

"As part of our Beach Science Tour, Delaware Sea Grant introduces our guests to a variety of coastal topics, including the importance of marine biodiversity and environmental stewardship," Dengler said.

"Engaging education and hands-on activities kindle our guests' curiosity and passion, encouraging them to get involved in local conservancy and sustainability efforts. Our continued association with Delaware Sea Grant has been invaluable to our development and success," she said.

"This funding comes at a critical time when science and research is under attack," said Sen. Chris Coons, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. "This investment in the important research conducted by faculty and students at the University of Delaware will help protect our valuable coastal resources, enhance our resilience to coastal hazards, and educate the next generation of marine and environmental stewards."

"One of the most valuable ways to invest in our future is by dedicating funding toward valuable, forward-looking research," said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

"The program will help us identify new avenues for enhancing economic opportunities in the First State, preserve and protect our pristine coastline, and create jobs and boost workforce development in our marine and fishing industries. This investment is a win for students, coastal communities, and the future of Delaware."

How it works

Delaware Sea Grant is one of 33 Sea Grant programs nationwide, in every coastal and Great Lakes state as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. The National Sea Grant Program was created by Congress in 1966 and is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Delaware Sea Grant staff and the researchers supported by the program conduct their work on local issues within the four focus areas of the National Sea Grant College Program:

• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems: Protecting and restoring the  environment and its valuable natural resources it provides.

• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Advancing sustainable commercial fishing and fostering local aquaculture.

• Resilient Communities and Economies: Helping communities prepare for the changing environment and economy.

• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development - Training and supporting the next generation of environmental and scientific leaders.