Alaska Sea Grant seeks citizen input on coastal research, extension, education needs

Date: 5/18/2004
Contact:
• For general information: Doug Schneider, Information Officer, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 907-474-7449, fndgs@uaf.edu
• To arrange an interview: Dr. Brian Allee, Director, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 907-474-7949, allee@sfos.uaf.edu.
NR: SG-2004/NR213

Related Web sites
Alaska Sea Grant
Marine Advisory Program

FAIRBANKS, Alaska—The public is invited to tell the Alaska Sea Grant College Program about the marine issues and concerns the program should address in coming years through its university-based research, education, and extension activities in the coming years. Public meetings will be held across the state.

"We want to hear from Alaska's coastal residents about what they think we ought to be working on," said Brian Allee, director of Alaska Sea Grant. "Public input will play a significant role in how we allocate our limited state and federal resources over the coming years."

Meeting schedule

Alaska Sea Grant is a marine research, education, and extension service of the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Its annual budget of $1.2 million is spent on marine and fisheries research, graduate student education, and community outreach projects, and it helps support the Marine Advisory Program network of agents and specialists in coastal communities across the state.

The UAF Marine Advisory Program is a university-based, statewide outreach and technical assistance program designed to help Alaskans wisely develop, use, conserve, and enjoy Alaska's marine and coastal resources. MAP faculty and staff provide informal marine education, offer technical assistance to coastal communities related to economic development, conduct applied research, and serve as a link between the University of Alaska and Alaska Sea Grant, and marine and freshwater resource users in many areas of the state not served by traditional faculty.

Community involvement is needed as the Alaska Sea Grant College Program develops its comprehensive strategic plan for 2006 to 2010.

Each meeting will begin with a short presentation about Alaska Sea Grant and then continue with public comments.

For more information contact Doug Schneider, Information Officer, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 907-474-7449.