UD Sea Grant Program receives $679K from Uncle Sam

The University of Delaware has received $679,000 in federal funding for its Delaware Sea Grant Program.

 

U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney made the announcement Tuesday.

“This funding will provide educators with the necessary resources to conduct research that improves the health and wellbeing of our state’s marine areas,” said Delaware’s Congressional Delegation.

The term “Sea Grant” is a play on the nation’s Land Grant program, which was created more than a century ago, to develop the country’s agricultural resources.

In this case, the program focuses on the nation’s marine resources, addressing challenges ranging from  seafood safety to coastal hazards.

Something Delaware’s lawmakers say is vital to the state’s economy.

“Each year millions of tourists visit our beaches, generating much-needed revenue for Delaware and creating jobs for thousands in the area. Because of this, it’s imperative that we continue to preserve the beauty and richness of our coastline,” the Delegation said.

Congress established the National Sea Grant College Program in 1966.

UD was designated the country’s ninth Sea Grant college.

Calls made to the university seeking comment have not yet been returned.