Contacts:
Barbara Branca, New York Sea Grant, barbara.branca@stonybrook.edu, 631.632.6956
Paul C. Focazio, New York Sea Grant, Paul.Focazio@stonybrook.edu, 631.632.6910
STONY BROOK, NY, October 15, 2008 - On Monday, October 13, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, which reauthorizes the Sea Grant Program from 2009 through 2014. The bill had passed both houses of Congress without opposition.
“I want to thank everyone in Sea Grant’s network whose hard work has led to the reauthorization,” said NOAA Sea Grant Director Leon Cammen. “Particularly in this economic climate, the fact that there was no opposition in either house of Congress is a ringing endorsement of Sea Grant that sends a strong message. We are on the right track and the impacts of your work are being felt and appreciated by our many stakeholders.”
The Act promotes further integration among Sea Grant state programs, partners, and stakeholders; Enhances regional and national collaboration; Redefines the role of the National Sea Grant Review Panel and changes it into a National Sea Grant Advisory Board; and Authorizes increased funding for the program over the next six years.
“As the country looks for solutions to meeting our energy needs and addressing the impacts of climate change,” continued Cammen, “our contributions will be critical at the local, regional, and national levels. There is no question that Sea Grant is needed now more than ever. The way ahead has been cleared for us for the next six years, and it is up to us all to justify that trust. I am confident that we will.”
NOAA Sea Grant encompasses 32 programs across the country, including New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of the State University of New York (SUNY), Cornell University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NYSG sponsors research, extension and education programs to promote the wise use of New York’s marine and Great Lakes resources.
