New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Receives FY 2026 Funding from NOAA

New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) has received its FY 2026 funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), supporting continued efforts to address New Jersey’s coastal challenges through research, education, workforce development, and community partnerships.

For more than 50 years, NJSGC has worked to connect science with the needs of New Jersey’s coastal communities. This federal investment will help advance projects and programs that strengthen coastal resilience, support marine industries, and promote healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystems.

Supporting New Jersey’s Coastal Communities

NJSGC’s work puts research and expertise into action to help communities across the state. FY 2026 funding will support efforts focused on:

• Coastal resilience: Advancing strategies and solutions that help communities prepare for and respond to coastal hazards and changing conditions.
• Living shorelines and green infrastructure: Supporting nature-based and cost-effective approaches to managing stormwater and protecting coastal areas.
• Aquaculture and workforce development: Strengthening New Jersey’s marine industries and creating opportunities for workforce training and career development.
• Clean Vessel Act pump-out programs: Supporting efforts to reduce marine pollution and protect New Jersey’s waterways.
• Research and education: Connecting researchers, educators, students, and communities to advance understanding and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources.

Congressional Support for NJSGC

Following the announcement of NJSGC’s FY 2026 funding, members of New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation shared their support for the Consortium and its work.

 

U.S. Senator Cory Booker: 

“For more than 50 years, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium has brought together researchers, educators, and community partners to successfully tackle our state’s coastal challenges, advance marine science, and enhance New Jerseyans’ scientific literacy. I’m proud to have helped secure funding that will support their impactful work to protect New Jersey’s shorelines and enhance coastal resiliency, grow our workforce, and create cost-effective green infrastructure for communities across the state.”

U.S. Senator Andy Kim:

“New Jersey’s coastal communities are on the frontlines of increasingly frequent and severe storms, making the need to strengthen our resilience more urgent than ever. Organizations like NJSGC continue to step up to protect the Jersey Shore and the families who call it home. This federal investment will build on that work, strengthening our coastline and making our communities more resilient for generations to come.”

U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01): 

“I’m pleased to hear that the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium was able to secure federal funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Our coastlines and waterways serve not only as drivers of economic growth, but also as scenic spaces for recreation and to enjoy our state’s natural beauty. The work of the Sea Grant Consortium is critical in keeping these spaces safe and healthy for generations to come, and I look forward to standing alongside them in the future.”

U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06):

“This is great news and I have been pushing for them to get their new funding for this fiscal year. This new federal funding through NOAA builds on the investments I fought to secure delivering resources to strengthen living shorelines, reduce marine debris, and prepare the Jersey Shore for the growing impacts of climate change. Through the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, this work takes shape in real ways: supporting clean vessel pump-out programs, strengthening aquaculture and shellfish workforce development, and advancing practical stormwater solutions like rain gardens and green infrastructure. I have long pushed for these investments because they support New Jersey’s coastal ecosystems, sustain our economy, and preserve our shore for generations to come.”

U.S. Representative Nellie Pou (NJ-09): 

“This fresh federal funding will help the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium strengthen coastal resilience, support Clean Vessel Act pump-out programs, as well as expand workforce development, and implement cost effective stormwater management solutions. I am proud to support the work the NJSGC is doing and continue advocating for increased federal and state partnerships that protect our coasts and puts federal money back in our communities.” 

U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10):

“The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium plays a vital role in protecting our coast, strengthening our marine ecosystems, and building a more resilient New Jersey. Investing in healthy oceans, disaster preparedness, sustainability, research, and education is an investment in the future of our state. I am thrilled that NJSCG has received the funding needed to continue this important work.”

U.S. Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-11):

“The Shore is an integral part of our Jersey identity, environment, and economy. This federal funding gives the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium the resources it needs to protect our waterways, strengthen our coastline’s resilience, and support the communities and wildlife that depend on them. In Congress, I’ll keep pushing for federal investments that protect our state’s natural beauty and ensure generations of New Jerseyans can continue to enjoy it.”

Continuing Our Impact

NJSGC is thankful to New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation for their continued support and recognition of the importance of Sea Grant’s work.

This FY 2026 funding will help NJSGC continue putting science into action, working alongside researchers, educators, businesses, government leaders, and communities to build a stronger, more resilient coastal New Jersey.