Dear Sea Grant Stakeholders,   

Today, I'd like to share with you some of the ways in which NOAA Sea Grant is having a positive impact on the lives of coastal residents, communities and the environment. NOAA Sea Grant's new Quarterly Highlights presents a glimpse of our programs' research and outreach accomplishments, showing what taxpayers receive for their investment and advancing NOAA mission goals. Here are several highlights of Sea Grant's work:  

Sea Grant Helps Shrimp Fishers Launch Delcambre Direct Seafood Marketing

In partnership with a group of Louisiana shrimp fishers, Sea Grant launched Delcambre Direct, an online farmer's market enabling the direct sale of their catch. The fishers earned an additional $600,000 (combined) in 2010 as a result of their participation. Sea Grant extension has been approached both by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission about expanding the program coast-wide and potentially Gulf-wide.  

Sea Grant Enhances Marina-Related Business in Virginia Coastal Economies by Over $32 Million

Sea Grant conducts socioeconomic research and provides assistance to coastal communities to help them develop the economic potential of their waterfronts in a sustainable manner. Based on a Sea Grant survey of the impact of personal property taxes on boat owners, Virginia's Hampton City Council voted to extend their $0 personal property tax on recreational watercraft, retaining an annual estimated $30.8 million in economic activity of boat owners and the retention of 394 full time jobs. Sea Grant also provided technical support to Virginia marinas applying for federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG), generating $0.5 million in new BIG investments at Commonwealth marinas. That direct funding translated into $1.13 million in economic impact to Virginia plus $0.3 million in program match from local marinas and communities, for a total of $1.43 million during 2009. This level of economic output in the marina sector is associated with 18 full time jobs in the state. 

We invite you to review additional success stories from each Sea Grant program, and to see how a relatively modest federal investment brings innumerable value to our coastal communities. Sea Grant is making a difference and we thank you for your support. 

Regards,

Leon M. Cammen,

Director, National Sea Grant College Program

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration