UOG Sea Grant started as a small project more than two decades ago and now advances from its prior status as a Sea Grant Coherent Area Program. 

The program passed through a two-week comprehensive review in October 2021, during which the National Sea Grant Advisory Board evaluated the Guam program on the following criteria: leadership, organization, relevance, programmed team approach, education and training, extension and advisory services, relationships, productivity, support, and continuity of high performance.

NOAA officially approved UOG Sea Grant’s institutional designation in the spring of 2022. 

“Guam Sea Grant has earned Sea Grant Institutional Program status by demonstrating excellence in research, education, and public service dedicated to the environmentally responsible management and development of Guam’s marine and coastal resources,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in a July 26 release. “Congratulations to the University of Guam, Guam Sea Grant leadership, and all of the staff involved in the remarkable growth of Guam Sea Grant over the past several years that made this designation a clear and well-earned advancement.” 

To celebrate this achievement, UOG Sea Grant will host a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 11, at the UOG Calvo Field House. Pennock and other dignitaries including UOG President Thomas W. Krise will be at the event.

“This year is the University of Guam’s 70th anniversary, and it also marks our 50th year as a Land Grant institution,” Krise said. “Earning the official designation as a Sea Grant institution is a transformational accomplishment for us. Reaching this milestone gives us another reason to celebrate this year.”

A community celebration will follow the ceremony featuring outreach tables, musical performances by TAJ, Joe Guam, and The John Dank Show, and a chance to win a paddleboard.

“We are thankful to the National Sea Grant College Program for recognizing us as a trusted leader and partner in our community capable of executing effective programs relevant to local, regional, and national priorities,” said Austin Shelton, UOG Sea Grant director. “We look forward to celebrating this achievement with our community.”

UOG Sea Grant is one of 34 programs within the National Sea Grant College Program — a partnership among universities and NOAA that seeks to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources to create a sustainable economy and environment. The Sea Grant network includes more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators, and students.

With the new designation, UOG is now both a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution.