ORONO – The University of Maine has been designated a Sea Grant College Program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration joining a network of 28 official Sea Grant College programs that conduct marine education, training and research.

“As underscored in the recent U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Report, NOAA’ s National Sea Grant College Program is recognized for its exemplary education, outreach, and extension services. The establishment of the University of Maine’s official Sea Grant College status is yet another benchmark in this outstanding track record,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

The commission’s report, the first review of national ocean policy in more than 30 years, observes that Sea Grant programs have the organization and infrastructure to conduct educational activities that will expand understanding of ocean ecosystems.

“This recognition acknowledges the important role that the Maine Sea Grant College Program and the university can play as our state addresses the many challenges associated with our coastal and marine resources,” said Paul Anderson, Maine Sea Grant director. As policymakers and regulators at the state and federal level reevaluate ocean governance, the contributions of Maine Sea Grant and The University of Maine will receive greater attention.

The Sea Grant College Program links marine and coastal researchers and educators at the university, in particular the School of Marine Sciences with NOAA’s vast databases of environmental and resource information. It also provides access to NOAA ships, laboratories and computing capabilities.