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.
“We are deeply grateful to the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation and the bipartisan coalition in Congress for their continued investment in the National Sea Grant College Program and in the communities we have served for nearly 60 years across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific,” said Dr. Darren T. Lerner, University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) director. “This support strengthens Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s ability to connect university research, community knowledge, and on-the-ground action to address coastal hazards, restore ecosystems, support sustainable seafood and aquaculture, and prepare the next generation of ocean and coastal leaders. At a time when island communities are facing accelerating environmental and economic challenges, this investment ensures that Hawaiʻi Sea Grant can continue to serve as a trusted partner in building a more resilient, sustainable, and thriving future for Hawaiʻi.”
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, Hawai’i Sea Grant has been awarded approximately $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.
US 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. Schatz noted, “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.”
US 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.”
With this $2.4 million allocation, Hawai’i Sea Grant will continue to bridge the gap between academic research and community action. 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.
