The Maryland Sea Grant program is dedicated to advancing translational watershed, coastal, and marine science to educate and inform the wider community in the Chesapeake Bay region and Maryland's coastal areas. Their mission is centered on supporting research, outreach, and education efforts that are informed by their strategic plan, focusing on conservation and restoration efforts within these ecosystems.
The grant program aims to support small, targeted initiatives within the categories of research, outreach, or education related to watershed, coastal, and marine science. The broad goal is to stimulate innovative projects that can lead to larger grant applications, provide strategic support to emerging topics of importance, and to fund workshops and educational opportunities connecting marine and coastal science with diverse audiences. Proposals must align with the Maryland Sea Grant Strategic Plan and demonstrate a connection between marine science and conservation/restoration efforts in Maryland. Importantly, an outreach component or relevance beyond the academic community is crucial. Awards are limited and competitive, with allocations not exceeding $10,000, coming from various sources including NOAA and state funding, without requiring matching funds from recipients.