Dear Friends of Michigan Sea Grant,
For nearly 50 years, Michigan Sea Grant has provided research, outreach, and education that help keep the Great Lakes great. Thousands of people had their first boating experiences and connected with the Great Lakes in our vessel-based learning programs. Beachgoers are more aware of dangerous currents and have access to safety equipment due to our efforts. Seafood supply chains are safer thanks to our seafood safety training. The targeted research we provide addresses pressing coastal problems, and our Extension educators are a trusted resource living in and working for coastal communities around the state.
The Administration’s proposal in the FY 2017 Security Supplemental would cut the National Sea Grant College Program by $30 million. Such a reduction with five months remaining in this fiscal year would effectively terminate Michigan Sea Grant and the 32 other Sea Grant programs immediately. We ask that you contact your representative and urge them to reject the FY 2017 Security Supplemental that would cut all funding for our program immediately and to reject the FY 2018 proposal to zero out and terminate the Sea Grant program.
If you value Michigan’s coastal communities and the work Michigan Sea Grant does to support them, I hope you will consider contacting your representative to let them know. To help, here are a sample letter and email (click to download documents) that you can use to contact them, as well as searchable databases for you to locate your representatives.
Thank you for your support,
James S. Diana
Director, Michigan Sea Grant
