New York Sea Grant's university-based research is of high quality and chosen to take an unbiased look at priority questions. But, just as important to Sea Grant is practical use of this proven, new information. This takes the research a vital step beyond the mandate of other funding organizations. And, that’s where the extension program staff comes in. With skills in technology transfer and outreach, extension specialists know who the concerned stakeholders are and can convey the results to them in ways most effective for application conducting business and making decisions. It is truly a unique, effective, and highly-appreciated model.

The Sea Grant extension specialists form advisory committees from the regions they serve. Once issues are identified, a wide variety of techniques are used to tackle them. Extension specialists may work with individuals, collaborate with others to organize workshops, or consult with experts to get needed information from other available sources. This may also involve suggesting new research topics and the research process starts anew.

New York Sea Grant Extension has one of the largest and most respected extension programs in the Sea Grant network. Fifteen extension professionals are located in nine different offices in the downstate marine and upstate Great Lakes regions of New York. These specialists have expertise chosen to meet specific responsibilities assigned to them and take on statewide, regional, and in some cases national responsibilities.

For more on the activities of NYSG's various extension specialists, check out the links on our Web Sites page.