U.S. Sen. Susan Collins had directly urged the Secretary of Commerce to restart Maine Sea Grant funding and thousands of Mainers spoke out in support of the popular program’s impact on their livelihoods and Maine’s working waterfronts
ORONO, Maine — Funding has been restored for Maine Sea Grant to continue its critical science and outreach to benefit Maine’s working waterfronts and marine economy.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially notified the University of Maine this week that it was awarding three more years of funding for Maine Sea Grant. Monies were made immediately available for the upcoming year, with funding for two additional years contingent on future appropriations by Congress.
In February, NOAA informed (External Site) UMaine that it was immediately discontinuing Sea Grant, terminating a four-year award with three years remaining. That sparked an outcry from the state’s Congressional Delegation, legislators and thousands of Mainers, including fishermen and sea farmers, who have been served by the partnership program since its founding in 1971 and who directly shape its activities.
Maine’s Sea Grant program, one of 34 nationwide, was the only affected.
At the urging of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who advocated directly to the Secretary of Commerce, the Department announced (External Site) in early March that it would renegotiate the award and additionally released unspent funds from the first year of the original four-year award.
“The groundswell of support for Maine Sea Grant and the stories that have surfaced about its incredible impact on our state’s working waterfronts have been extraordinary and effective. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Collins’ leadership and relentless advocacy on behalf of Maine Sea Grant and the hard-working Mainers it has long served,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and our state’s coastal communities to promote resilient local jobs and opportunities and a globally competitive marine economy through research-informed innovation.”
Consistent with the original four-year agreement, the award made by the Commerce Department this week is for $1,499,374, which will be matched by $809,905 from non-federal sources, including industry and State research and development funding, over the next year. Assuming Congress continues to fund the National Sea Grant Program, the Department would provide an additional $3,023,749 to Maine Sea Grant through Jan. 31, 2028, to be matched by $1,646,169.
These federal and matching funds will support statewide research and marine extension activities consistent with the original proposal and led by 20 Maine Sea Grant employees on the Orono campus and in coastal communities from Eastport to Wells, as well as student and partner researchers throughout the state.
“This vital funding for Maine Sea Grant is not a cost,” said lobsterman and marine biologist Curt Brown. “It is an investment in the future of Maine’s coastal industries and communities, an investment that has paid dividends for decades and will continue to support these iconic industries for generations to come.”
In 2023, programs and services supported by Maine Sea Grant generated $15 of economic activity in the state for every federal dollar, for a total impact of $23.5 million. Ongoing activities include coastal workforce and business development; hands-on PK-16 marine science education and outreach; research with governmental and industry partners to inform lobster and other fisheries management; and storm preparedness technical assistance for working waterfronts.
About the University of Maine System
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development and its seven public universities and law school are the most affordable in New England. Over the past two decades, UMS has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. For more information, visit www.maine.edu.
Media Contact:
Samantha Warren
Director of External Affairs, University of Maine System
207-632-0389 / samantha.warren@maine.edu