Project duration: Jul. 1, 2012 to Jun. 30, 2014
Requested No-Cost Extension: Dec. 31, 2014
Sea Grant is an organization that has a history of working closely with water-dependent businesses and has documented a number of examples where research, extension and/or training programs have resulted in increased economic activity in the private sector, including the creation or expansion of businesses and jobs. Yet there has not been a systematic survey in the Gulf region to assess the full scope of these economic impacts.
This preliminary study provides general information about the economic contributions and benefits to industry resulting from research, education, extension and outreach (REEO) efforts of the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant Programs. The study is a critical first step in conducting a future systematic assessment of the economic benefits resulting from Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant programmatic efforts.
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) commits to interdisciplinary environmental scholarship and community-based natural resources management so that coastal and marine resources are conserved and managed for a sustainable economy and environment. The tools available in support of the MASGC mission are applied interdisciplinary research, communication, education, extension and legal services using both targeted and cross-cutting approaches. These tools are utilized at local, state, regional, national, and international arenas.
MASGC has four focus areas, namely: (1) Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, (2) Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, (3) Resilient Communities and Economies, and (4) Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.