Dear Sea Grant Stakeholders,   

Last week, Sea Grant co-organized a NOAA seminar followed by a Congressional briefing on working waterfronts, a topic of increasing national importance as waterfronts along our coasts experience increased pressure from population growth, development and other competing demands. Both events drew large crowds and provided an opportunity for our six speakers to make a case for the vital role working waterfronts play in sustaining our Nation's local economies. The speakers provided eloquent testament to the value of multiple-use waterfronts that support water-dependent businesses, provide public access to the water, and contribute to economic vitality and quality of life, helping to build and maintain vibrant, livable communities. We are indebted to U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) who sponsored the June 1st briefing. I would also like recognize our six speakers: 

• Ryck Lydecker, Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs, Boat Owners Association of The United States in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Dave Knight, Special Projects Manager, Great Lakes Commission in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Thomas Hymel, marine extension agent through the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Cooperative Extension Service and Louisiana Sea Grant.
• Scott Saunier, Town Alderman, Port of Delcambre in Louisiana.
• Heather Mann, Executive Director, Community Seafood Initiative in Astoria and Newport, Oregon.
• Hugh Cowperthwaite, Fisheries Project Director, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Portland, Maine.      

The speakers praised their local Sea Grant programs, noting that Sea Grant has been a leader in bringing stakeholders together to engage in planning and capacity building efforts aimed at strengthening local economies. In addition, our partners in NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and National Ocean Service are invested in this issue and were also integral to the success of both events. This issue is now on the national agenda. The President has requested $8 million in his FY2012 budget to create a working waterfronts grant program that will assist distressed or at-risk fishing-dependent coastal communities. NOAA will use this funding to provide resources for communities to engage in planning, capacity building and other activities to enhance economic resilience. I am proud of Sea Grant's efforts to ensure that our Nation's working waterfronts remain at work. 

Regards,

Leon M. Cammen,

Director, National Sea Grant College Program

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration