Last week, the Maine Sea Grant Program was defunded by the federal government. Today, March 6, U.S. Senator Susan Collins said the Dept. of Commerce has agreed to renegotiate its funding.

In her announcement, Collins said Maine is to reapply for the funding.

The Trump Administration cut the $4.5 million funding to the Maine Sea Grant program Feb. 28, just as the annual gathering of the Maine Fishermen's Forum was underway in Rockport. Justification from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was that the longtime Maine Sea Grant work was no longer relevant to the focus of the Administration’s priorities and program objectives.

Part of a federal sea grant program, Maine Sea Grant is administered by UMaine. Its history dates back to 1971, when, it said: "the University of Maine received the first 'sea grant' of $100,300, awarded to the Darling Center and Dr. David Dean for projects related to the culture of resources in the cold water marine environment (marine aquaculture). Funds were distributed to faculty in the departments of agricultural engineering, resource economics, animal and veterinary science, food science, and mechanical engineering to adapt known techniques and to develop new methods for raising marine organisms in Maine’s unique coastal environment, and to create market demands for currently under-utilized marine resources of the region."

In a March 6 news release, Senator Collins office said March 6 that the tide shifted: "At the urging of Senator Collins, [Commerce Secretary] Secretary Lutnick is directing NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts and sustainable fisheries."

The announcement comes following a conversation Tuesday between Secretary Lutnick and Senator Collins in which Collins explained all that is at stake for Maine’s coastal communities with the loss of Sea Grant funding, the release said.

“I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to work together to ensure that Maine Sea Grant can continue to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and ensure that our coastal economies remain profitable hubs for fishermen, lobstermen, and hospitality workers," said Collins, in the release. "It is important that Maine Sea Grant can continue to provide valuable services for communities across the state for years to come."

In a memo from the Department of Commerce, Vice Admiral Nancy Hann said, “After productive conversations with Senator Susan Collins and her staff, the Department of Commerce is committed to engaging in bilateral negotiations to modify the Year 2 award requirements and related funding of the Maine Sea Grant Omnibus Award.

 “Through these bilateral negotiations, the Department will ensure that the American people, including hardworking Mainers like lobstermen and fishermen, receive the benefit of the bargain consistent with the Administration’s priorities and continued relevance to program objectives.”

Read the full memo here.

“I am so grateful for Senator Collins' unwavering dedication to sustaining our fisheries, working waterfronts, and local communities,” said Gayle Zydlewski, Director, Maine Sea Grant, in the release. 

"We deeply appreciate Senator Collins, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and NOAA for restoring funding to Maine Sea Grant. This investment ensures continued collaboration between scientists and fishermen, supporting sustainable fisheries and Maine’s coastal communities. UMaine remains committed to advancing research that strengthens our blue economy and marine industries," said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

 Maine Sea Grant is a direct investment in Maine’s coastal communities, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting fisheries and the seafood industry, including local businesses like Ready Seafood:

“Maine Sea Grant has been supporting Ready Seafood since we started as a small lobster company on Hobson’s Pier in Portland in 2004, and helped propel our business to become the largest lobster processing company in the world,” said Curt Brown, lobsterman and marine biologist for Ready Seafood. “Senator Collins’ tireless leadership has once again delivered a huge victory for Maine’s coastal communities. From Kittery to Cutler, Maine’s coastal economy is stronger today, thanks to her efforts.” 

Senator Collins has been in contact with the Trump Administration and University of Maine leadership since NOAA said Feb. 28 that Maine's share of the sea grant funding was ending.

Today, March 6, Senator Collins met with the Director of Maine Sea Grant and other program advocates in her office. She spoke with Commerce Secretary Lutnick later that day.

According to the release, Maine Sea Grant contributed to $23.5 million in documented economic benefits in 2023 alone. For every $1 of funding, there’s a $15 return.

Sea Grant has more than 700 established partnerships with businesses, researchers, community organizations, and local and county governments.

In 2023, Sea Grant created or supported 332 businesses and 565 jobs.

Sea Grant supports American Seafood Competitiveness by enhancing the sustainability and profitability of Maine’s $600 million lobster industry and growing aquaculture sector, helping maintain American leadership in global seafood markets.