Texas Sea Grant
Supporting Coastal Communities, Businesses and AmericansTexas A&M University administers the Texas Sea Grant, a federal-state partnership that supports coastal economies and returns a 9-fold return on investment ($828 million in economic benefits from a $94 million federal investment).
Visit Sea Grant Main Page
Overview
Since 1966, Sea Grant has enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Texas A&M University is proud to run the Texas Sea Grant, a federal-state partnership that supports coastal economies and resilient communities. Living and working locally, Sea Grant staff address challenges from small business support to community health. As part of the national network in 34 states and territories, Texas Sea Grant delivers measurable economic, social, and environmental benefits. As one of a few triple-designated land-, space- and sea-grant institutions, Texas A&M is committed to advancing research, education, and outreach across all domains.
$1 Billion Return on Investment
In 2023, Sea Grant’s answering of local calls for support nationally resulted in a 9-fold return on investment (ROI) generating $828 million in economic benefits from a $94 million federal investment. A similar ROI on the FY 2026 request would equal over $1 billion in economic benefits.
Why Fund Sea Grant?
Sea Grant supports coastal counties, which contribute 46% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and 39% of jobs in the country. If coastal counties were their own country, they would rank third in the world in GDP, surpassed only by the entirety of the United States and China. Economic prosperity and job production are vulnerable in these counties as they face threats from storms, marine heat waves, and other coastal hazards. Sea Grant programs are uniquely qualified to help communities address these challenges—as evidenced by the growing demand for their work—and are a necessary part of ensuring a strong economy.
Texas Sea Grant works to ensure safe and sustainable supplies of domestic seafood and decrease our reliance on imports. By supporting the development of STEM educational programs, tools and products, Texas Sea Grant helps prepare the future coastal workforce. It is headquartered at Texas A&M University in College Station and has staff members in Texas A&M University at Galveston, and other communities along the coast.
"These research and community engagement investments continue to generate substantial economic, social and environmental impacts, drive workforce development and contribute to the sustainability of the natural and built environments of the Texas coast."
Laura Picariello, Director, Texas Sea Grant
Sea Grant Sustains Thriving Coastal Economies
- supporting healthy coastal ecosystems
- increasing seafood supply
- increasing efficiency of shipping and marine transport
- sustaining clean waters
- strengthening protections from coastal damage
- increasing coastal safety
- supporting local teachers and students
- creating resilient economies
Michael J. Hardy
Deputy Chief Government Relations Officer and Director of Federal Relations- mjhardy@tamu.edu
- 979-845-0117
Waves of Impact: Texas Sea Grant at Work
A video about Texas Sea Grant's work along the coast and various stakeholders and partners that work alongside us.
Read Stories of Impact
Oyster Gardening Project Engages Coastal Volunteers in Restoration Efforts
Texas Sea Grant’s pilot oyster gardening project engages volunteers in growing juvenile oysters for reef restoration. In partnership with Mid-Coast Texas Master Naturalists, the effort supports habitat recovery, water quality monitoring, and community stewardship along the Texas coast.
Read More About Oyster Gardening
Preparing the Future Workforce of Gulf Commercial Fishing
Texas Sea Grant and partners launched the Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program to train the next generation of Gulf fishermen. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry support, the program helps overcome barriers to entry and ensures a strong, skilled workforce for the future of commercial fishing.
Read More About Gulf Commercial Fishing
Research Focus: Flood Level Sensors Helping Coastal Communities Stay Ahead of Rising Waters
Along the Texas coast, researchers are using real-time water level sensors to predict “sunny-day flooding” and improve public safety. Led by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the project uses AI and local data to warn communities when roads like Ocean Drive in Calhoun County are at risk of flooding.
Read More About Flood Level Sensors