Rhode Island Sea Grant

Rhode Island Sea Grant is located at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, and funds research at other institutions throughout the state. It is also home to one of only four Sea Grant Legal Programs in the country, and the only one in the Northeast, located at Roger Williams University School of Law.   Rhode Island Sea Grant funds research that addresses coastal ecosystem and fisheries issues. Research goals include: characterizing and quantifying dynamics of change in coastal ecosystems; improving understanding of effects of contaminants on coastal ecosystems; developing techniques and indicators to characterize the sources, pathways, and effects of nutrients, toxins, and biocontaminants; exploring links between ecosystem-based management and fisheries management; determining industry and consumer seafood priorities; and increasing knowledge of biology and ecology of valuable species.

The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) works to create and maintain healthy coastal environments and economies. The Sea Grant network includes 32 programs based at top universities in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The programs of the Sea Grant network work together to help citizens understand, conserve and better utilize America’s coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources. One of four national strategic priorities through 2013 is to improve the resilience of coastal communities to hazards, including the effects of climate change.  NOAA Sea Grant plays local and national roles to inform policy and management, help communities prepare for climate impacts, and support economic resilience and opportunity. See the National Sea Grant College Program organization entry for more information.

Phone: (401) 874-6800

Sectors:

• Biodiversity and ecosystems
• Coastal
• Fish and fisheries
• Oceans

Related Organizations:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant)
• University of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Climate Change Collaborative
• University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center

Related Resources:

• Rhode Island Climate Change Collaborative "Waves of Change" website
• Rhode Island: STORMTOOLS for mapping coastal flooding
• Adaptation to Natural Hazards and Climate Change in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
• Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities
• Rhode Island Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan - Beach SAMP (Draft)
• Catalog of Adaptation Techniques for Coastal and Waterfront Businesses: Options to Help Heal with the Impacts of Storms and Sea Level Rise