WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $183,090 grant to the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine to study the effects of temperature, growth and development in cold-water marine fishes.

“We are only beginning to understand all the effects climate change has on our environment and marine life,” said U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in announcing the grant.

“This funding will help further our research so we may work together to take proactive steps to ensure the survival of our fisheries for generations to come.”

The grant was issued under the National Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program under the USDA. Funding will be available Sept. 1.