August 19, 2024
Washington Sea Grant (WSG) is excited to receive federal funding through NOAA Sea Grant to supplement its existing initiatives supporting aquaculture in Washington state. Two WSG initiatives are supported by this funding: the Willapa-Grays Harbor Estuary Collaborative and the new Tide’s Out aquaculture workforce training program.
Launched in April 2022 and facilitated by WSG, the Willapa-Grays Harbor Estuary Collaborative (Collaborative) holds the long-term mission of increasing the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in the face of environmental change and other stressors. The Collaborative works to apply the principles of ecosystem-based management to challenges facing southwest Washington’s “Twin Harbors” of Willapa Bay and Grays Habor, where the shellfish industry is at the heart of the community and local economy.
The Tide’s Out program aims to further workforce development in Washington’s aquaculture industry through a free training broken into two parts. Part one is designed to equip current and aspiring aquaculture managers with the resources and skills to retain a diverse next-generation workforce. Part two will provide workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful shellfish industry employees. Both courses also include resources to support English language learners.
NOAA Sea Grant selected 33 projects totaling approximately $8.8 million to enhance aquaculture production, capacity and knowledge sharing nationwide. The funded projects are in alignment with NOAA Sea Grant’s commitment to support aquaculture development nationwide, as reflected in its five-year (2024-2028) Aquaculture Investment Plan, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture focus area and the Sea Grant Network’s 10-year Aquaculture Vision.
Read the full aquaculture funding announcement here.
Learn more about the other selected projects here.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. The National Sea Grant College Program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
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AUG
2024