R.I. Sea Grant Program receives $1.6M

MORE THAN $1.6 million in federal funding has been awarded to the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program to help protect coastal and marine resources, U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed announced. / PBN FILE PHOTO
MORE THAN $1.6 million in federal funding has been awarded to the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program to help protect coastal and marine resources, U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed announced. / PBN FILE PHOTO

PROVIDENCE – More than $1.6 million in federal funding has been awarded to the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program to help protect coastal and marine resources.
The funding, from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, was announced recently by U.S. Sens. Jack F. Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as U.S. Reps. James R. Langevin and David N. Cicilline.
According to a news release, Rhode Island Sea Grant will use the funds to continue work on the state’s Shellfish Management Plan in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Management and the Coastal Resources Management Council.
Funds also will support development of the Shoreline Management Plan, which is addressing problems of shoreline erosion and sea level rise. In addition, with construction of the five wind turbines for Block Island waters underway, Rhode Island Sea Grant will update the Ocean Special Area Management Plan, which is helping to ensure that the new wind turbines have a minimal effect on existing ocean users like fishermen and recreational boaters.

“Rhode Island’s coastal habitat and fisheries are an essential part of our culture and economy. The University of Rhode Island is a national leader in ocean research and conservation, and the Sea Grant program has been a vital partner in carrying out cooperative research and strengthening our coastal communities. I will continue working to keep federal funding flowing to URI to conduct this important research and protect our oceans,” Reed said in a statement.

Said Langevin, “It is our responsibility to do everything possible to protect against the effects of climate change, and coastal erosion in particular, and I am confident that this infusion of funds into the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program will help restore past damage, protect against future challenges and fortify our coastal resources.”

Rhode Island Sea Grant Director Dennis Nixon said he is grateful for the financial support.
“Narragansett Bay is an incredible resource for all Rhode Islanders, and this grant will help us understand the changes that are occurring as a result of warming waters and sea level rise,” Nixon said.

- Advertisement -

Administered by URI, the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program supports research, community outreach and education programs aimed at better understanding and preserving coastal communities and marine environments. The program focuses on healthy coastal ecosystems; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; resilient communities and economies; and environmental literacy and workforce development.

No posts to display