The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) has been awarded approximately $2.4 million in federal funding to advance island sustainability, protect unique marine ecosystems, support research, and develop a robust blue economy workforce. The funding is part of a continued, bipartisan investment by the U.S. Congress to extend the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant funding through 2026.
While the program operates as a federal-university partnership across 34 university-based programs nationwide, this localized funding ensures Hawaiʻi can continue to address the accelerating environmental and economic challenges specific to island communities.
“We are deeply grateful to the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation and the bipartisan coalition in Congress for their continued investment in the National Sea Grant College Program and in the communities we have served for nearly 60 years across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific,” said Darren T. Lerner, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant director. “This support strengthens Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s ability to connect university research, community knowledge, and on-the-ground action to address coastal hazards, restore ecosystems, support sustainable seafood and aquaculture, and prepare the next generation of ocean and coastal leaders.”
Congressional support for local initiatives
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz played a pivotal role in the reauthorization and amendment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act in 2020.
“Sea Grant does incredibly important work, including promoting adaptation to king tides in Waikīkī, fighting to save corals, and leading community-based stewardship of land and ocean across the state,” said Schatz. “We’re going to continue working to deliver more funding so that Sea Grant can keep building a more resilient Hawaiʻi.”
U.S. Rep. Ed Case emphasized that this funding is a critical safeguard for the state’s future, particularly as we face extreme disasters.
“In these uncertain times, we must redouble our efforts to support all those working to preserve and protect our coastal and marine ecosystems like our University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program,” said Case. “Hawaiʻi Sea Grant is a prime example of focus over decades on critical issues related to sustainable coastal development, tourism, hazard resiliency, sustainable aquaculture, Indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change.”
Building a resilient future
With this $2.4 million allocation, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will continue to bridge the gap between academic research and community action. By securing these funds, the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation has ensured that the state’s coastal communities remain vibrant, sustainable and prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
