Oregon Sea Grant envisions a future of thriving coastal communities and ecosystems in Oregon. We spark discovery, understanding, and collaboration to foster healthy, inclusive, and resilient coastal communities and ecosystems.

Established at Oregon State University in 1971 as one of the first four Sea Grant College Programs designated in the nation, Oregon Sea Grant is now one of 34 programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant College Program. Congress established the the national Sea Grant program in1966. Oregon Sea Grant is cooperative program between NOAA and Oregon State University. Our programs serve all of Oregon. Our core-funding is from NOAA Sea Grant and requires a 50% match of non-federal funding. Oregon State University is our primary non-federal fiscal partner, but we rely on many other collaborators and partners, including local governments, agencies, industry, and philanthropy to expand our capacity to address ongoing, unexpected, and emerging needs of Oregon's coastal communities and ecosystems.

We address regionally and nationally strategic issues through an integrated program of competitive, rigorously reviewed research, extension  services and projects, and public education. We support dynamic, inventive, and flexible approaches to meet the needs of communities in changing natural and social environments.

Everything the program does is driven by an ethic of public service, and the program uses various approaches to engage our constituents. A community advisory council of Oregon residents and community leaders provides guidance on our programs. We collaborate with community, industry and conservation groups, researchers, teachers and students, tribes, resource managers and political leaders to develop and provide the public with information based on sound research and innovative science. We value community, integrity, sustainability, partnerships, innovation, and diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and accessibility.

Sea Grant has four focus areas:

  • Environmental literacy and workforce development
  • Healthy coastal ecosystems
  • Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
  • Resilient communities and economies

For more information about Oregon Sea Grant, please visit our 2024-2027 Oregon Sea Grant Strategic Plan (pdf).