I am asking for support for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC).
Federal funding for MASGC’s current fiscal year has not been released, and the administration proposes the elimination of the National Sea Grant College Program. Sea Grant is a community-based authorized federal partnership program that sustains thriving coastal economies and resilient communities. Through joint federal, state and local investments, Sea Grant works in 34 states and territories—yielding quantifiable economic, social and environmental benefits. Since its inception in 1966, Sea Grant has benefited from bipartisan congressional support.
MASGC was established in 1972 and is a consortium of nine research, education and Extension institutions in the two states. Its mission is to provide integrated university- and college-based research, education and engagement (communications, Extension and legal) programs to coastal communities that lead to the responsible use of ocean and coastal resources in Alabama and Mississippi through informed personal, policy and management decisions.
MASGC implements its strategic plan through competitive research at these institutions and through education and engagement services at Auburn University, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Alabama, The University of Mississippi, The University of Southern Mississippi and the Mobile County Public Schools’ Environmental Studies Center.
MASGC has a long history of supporting commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture; environmental literacy and workforce development; healthy coastal ecosystems; and resilient communities and economies. All Sea Grant programs undergo a rigorous independent review every five years. The results of MASGC’s most recent external, independent national review (March 2025) were the best ever. A few key findings from the review include:
- MASGC demonstrates a high degree of productivity, both in terms of outputs (the things we can count) and outcomes (the things that matter). This productivity far exceeds what could be reasonably expected from its level of core funding.
- MASGC has cultivated a trusted reputation in the community and is seen as a leader, expert and liaison to partners through its efforts of educating and communicating information to various audiences.
- MASGC demonstrates exceptional responsiveness to the concerns of its partners and community through understanding and addressing ongoing needs and adapting to evolving situations.
- MASGC developed the Coastal Community Resilience Index used by 81 Gulf of America communities to assess disaster vulnerabilities to aid them in making informed decision-making to prepare them for a variety of disasters.
- MASGC aided in improving disaster preparedness by conducting flood insurance workshops and hazard mitigation planning for local governments, including training on FEMA’s Community Rating System.
- MASGC is a leader in the ecosystem fisheries management community and has supported oyster aquaculture development, leading to 160 acres of oyster farming and millions in economic impact.
- MASGC-supported research through the regional red snapper population assessment (Great Red Snapper Count) influenced regional fisheries management decisions. MASGC is also managing a similar assessment for greater amberjack.
- MASGC is a nationally recognized leader in promoting living shorelines as a best practice to stabilize eroding coastlines while improving habitat values.
- MASGC’s education programming reached over 600,000 students and nearly 5,000 teachers in a six-year period through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on topics such as training on how to build and operate remotely operated underwater vehicles by providing essential 21st century skills to the students.
- When asked what was the value of partnering with MASGC, partners commented on utilizing the program’s extensive network, the expertise of the program staff, educational outreach capabilities, and the ability of the program to walk stakeholders through technical challenges from start to finish as a few examples of the importance of the program’s participation and assistance in projects.
If you are willing to be listed as a supporter of Sea Grant on a list that we will share with our congressional delegation, fill out this online form.
Meet the author
LaDon Swann, Ph.D.
National Sea Grant Aquaculture Liaison
LaDon Swann serves as the national Sea Grant aquaculture liaison and works to strengthen the Sea Grant aquaculture portfolio. He is the former director of Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant and also... Read more
Phone: 251-648-5877
Email: [email protected]