WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help the University of Rhode Island (URI) continue its role as a leader in cooperative fisheries and ocean research, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that URI will receive $1,829,000 in federal funding for the Sea Grant College Program. This federal funding, which will be administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will be used for several research projects, including studies on climate change effects on nutrient inputs to Narragansett Bay, an investigation of the effects of crabs on salt marsh die-offs, and a study designed to better enumerate and further reduce bycatch mortality in flounder.

"The University of Rhode Island has been a leader in ocean research and conservation and the Sea Grant program has been a vital resource in carrying out cooperative studies, strengthening our coastal communities, and conserving our ocean resources," said Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, which oversees federal spending on NOAA. "This federal funding will go a long way toward helping URI continue its efforts to protect our oceans and raise awareness about preserving our coastal resources."

The National Sea Grant College program provides federal funding to over 30 state Sea Grant programs at universities across the country for research, education, and outreach on coastal resource use and conservation. URI's program, located in its School of Oceanography, focuses it efforts on coastal protection and sustainable fisheries. Federal funding for the Sea Grant program is matched by state and private funding.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Reed requested increased funding for the highly successful Sea Grant College Program and co-sponsored the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act, which was enacted last year.

"Rhode Island's coastal habitat and fisheries are an essential part of our culture and our economy," stated Reed. "For decades, the Sea Grant program has worked to protect our state's natural resources, while at the same time raising awareness about the importance of conservation. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the Sea Grant program receives the funding that it needs to continue its important work in Rhode Island and throughout the nation."