Oregon Sea Grant

Oregon Sea Grant is a broad program that develops and supports research, outreach, and education to help people understand, rationally use, and conserve marine and coastal resources. In more than 35 years of existence, Oregon Sea Grant has built a highly productive program through the expertise of its own faculty and staff and with researchers associated with many departments and colleges at OSU. As part of the National Sea Grant College Program, Oregon Sea Grant receives major support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in addition to state appropriations and contributions from local governments and industry.

Research activities are strategically targeted to respond to critical state, national and global issues in which Sea Grant support can make a difference. In recent years, competitively awarded grants have supported research in such topical areas as coastal natural hazards, marine pharmaceuticals, seafood production and technology, and coastal community development.

Sea Grant has been an innovator in promoting interdisciplinary, cooperative, and collaborative research, and in extending the results of that research to those who can put it to use. The program provides opportunities for graduate students to study important ocean and coastal problems and to take part in state and national fellowships in marine policy and natural resources.

The Sea Grant Communications staff produces news releases, publications, video and digital media, and other products in support of the program's research, Extension, and education activities. A team of Extension faculty bring research-based information to the people and communities who can put it to work.

Sea Grant manages the Visitor Center at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, where the work of OSU and agency researchers is showcased in interpretive exhibits that introduce the public to important concepts in ocean and coastal science. Sea Grant also uses the Visitor Center as a social laboratory to research how people learn in informal settings (such as science centers).

The users of Oregon's marine resources are key stakeholders in the program. Oregon Sea Grant works closely with its citizen Advisory Council and with other public and nongovernmental organizations to help bring science-based information to all levels of ocean and coastal policymaking.