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How the National Sea Grant Program is catalyzing progress in marine biotechnology

Local Efforts

National Progress

Photo Credits

Progress Through Collaboration

Funding for Sea Grant research and education projects also are based on the concept of partnership, one-third of the financing for each Sea Grant program comes from nonfederal sources such as state or private funds. Federal funds come through its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

However, Sea Grant's relationships involve more than financial collaboration. Ties to local and regional activities and universities enable its directors, extension agents, and outreach personnel to respond to the research needs and business opportunities specific to our varied coastal areas. Furthermore, Sea Grant's relationships with Federal agencies enable it to bring policy issues to national attention.

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From Diverse Local Efforts...

Research grants in marine biotechnology are awarded through Sea Grant's local programs. Thus, research projects often reflect the needs, intellectual resources, and marine environments of our country's various coastal areas. For instance:

States with tropical waters, such as Hawaii, have turned much attention to the medicinal promise within corals and tunicates.

Scientists in the Northeast and Eastern seaboard have searched for solutions to the pathogens and algae blooms that have devastated their seafood industries.

In Gulf coastal states and the Great Lakes regions, investigators are attempting to revitalize declining fisheries through genetic engineering of oysters and freshwater fish stock, respectively.

Scientists in the Pacific Northwest have taken the search for novel microorganisms to the hydrothermal vents and subsea floor environments off their coasts.

Florida Sea Grant has nourished the development of university curriculums, outreach programs, and new business outlets in marine biotechnology.

Researchers from Minnesota, Delaware, and Virginia have used their expertise to contribute to national policy discussions concerning marine transgenic organisms.

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... To National Progress

Such seemingly diverse efforts are coalescing to generate national progress in marine biotechnology. For instance:

 

Solutions are being found for ecological issues that affect multiple coasts. (See environmental accomplishments.)

Technological breakthroughs for common challenges faced by researchers are being shared through publications, conferences, and web sites. (See resources & links.)

Genomic methods for duplicating rare chemicals from marine organisms are being developed. (See biomedicine).

Scientists are defining molecular processes that can improve fish growth and disease resistance for aquaculture.(See fisheries & aquaculture.)

Lastly, a new generation of scientists is being trained in Sea Grant-supported research projects throughout the nation.

To learn about Sea Grant-supported developments, see achievements.

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Pharmaceutical potential in corals

Exploring for bioactive molecules in a hydrocarbon seep community

Outreach to high school biology students.

Photo Credits

Mast photo: Feeding polyps on massive coral head. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Central Library, reef0014.

Side photos in descending order from the top:

Scientists. Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

Lab. Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

Diver placing bubbles over coral. NOAA, Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Central Library.

Pillar coral. NOAA/Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Central Library, reef2552.

Mussels, worms and a spider crab at a hydrocarbon seep community. NOAA, Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Central Library, Nur04509.

Students. Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

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