STONY BROOK, NY, December 23, 2009 - Today, Congressman Tim Bishop announced that the New York Sea Grant program at Stony Brook University had been awarded $2,447,200 from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration for research on pressing coastal issues. Bishop represents the 1st District of New York.

"Protecting our coast is vital to the health and safety of our families and to Long Island’s economy," said Bishop. “This federal funding will enable scientists at Stony Brook University to continue important research which will strengthen our coastal economy and preserve our natural resources for years to come.”

"This new NOAA Omnibus award to New York Sea Grant will help to support important research, education, and outreach activities on key coastal issues at Stony Brook University and other universities throughout the state of New York,” said NYSG Director James W. Ammerman.

The funding will go toward New York Sea Grant’s 2010-2013 Omnibus Proposal which includes high quality research that addresses the region’s most pressing coastal issues and opportunities. The research and outreach proposals in the Omnibus address important problems and opportunities related to coastal-dependent businesses, fisheries, seafood products, coastal hazards and processes, coastal water quality, coastal habitats, and aquatic nuisance species. The Omnibus also provides graduate students with financial support through the Sea Grant Scholar Program, and sponsors conferences, seminars and workshops on a variety of coastal issues each year.