Support Letter to Congress

Support Louisiana Sea Grant: Add Your Voice

Click Here to View a Map of  Louisiana Sea Grant Supporters 

As Congress works to finalize the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the future of the national Sea Grant program — and Louisiana Sea Grant — faces uncertainty. The current administration may propose eliminating federal funding for Sea Grant, a move that would significantly impact the communities, ecosystems and economies that rely on our work.

We need your support now more than ever.

Why Your Voice Matters

Louisiana Sea Grant delivers science-based, solutions-oriented research, education and outreach that directly supports the sustainability and resilience of our coastal communities and natural resources. From fisheries and water quality to workforce development and hazard preparedness, our work benefits individuals, businesses and communities across Louisiana.

Your voice can help ensure Congress understands the value of Sea Grant.

How You Can Help

If you have benefited from working with Louisiana Sea Grant — or simply believe in the importance of coastal science and community service — please consider signing our Support Letter to Congress. The letter demonstrates broad support for the continued funding of the Sea Grant program.

Sign the Letter Here

You’ll also have the option to share a brief comment about how Louisiana Sea Grant has impacted you, your business or your community. Personal stories and examples make a powerful difference. All additional comments will be shared anonymously.

Help Us Spread the Word

We welcome you to share this page and the sign-on letter with others who value the mission and impact of Louisiana Sea Grant. Every name — and every voice — strengthens the message to our lawmakers.

Thank you for standing with us in support of a strong, sustainable future for Louisiana’s coast.

Example Support Letter to Congress

Dear Louisiana congressional delegation:

We, the undersigned constituents from Louisiana, are writing to urge your support for federal funding for the Sea Grant Program in fiscal year (FY) 2026. Sea Grant is funded in the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill and is in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) Account within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).

As one of the 34 Sea Grant programs, each year Louisiana Sea Grant receives a portion of the annual appropriation to Sea Grant. The Louisiana Sea Grant Program partners with local, state, regional and national organizations to meet the legally required match of $1 for every $2 of federal funding, which increases the impact of every federal dollar.  We benefit from this, as this money is invested in Sea Grant staff and their work in communities right here in the state.

During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program’s work:

  • helped generate an estimated $77.9 million in economic benefits to Louisiana coastal communities
  • created or supported more than 1,731 jobs
  • created or sustained more than 24 businesses
  • helped 6,616 fishermen and seafood processing personnel adopt safe and sustainable seafood practices
  • educated more than 34,000 K-12 students in coastal and marine topics
  • supported 112 undergraduate and graduate students across the state

Additionally, materials developed and distributed by the program helped residents and communities throughout the Louisiana coast navigate disaster aid programs.

As constituents and beneficiaries of Louisiana’s Sea Grant Program, we cannot overstate the value Sea Grant brings to our state. In addition, coastal communities around the country are protected and supported thanks to the Sea Grant national network’s important activities around resilient communities and economies, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, healthy coastal ecosystems, environmental literacy and workforce development. I respectfully request you support funding the Sea Grant Program in FY 2026 appropriations.

Thank you for your consideration, and please reach out if we can be of further assistance.

Respectfully,
Louisiana Sea Grant and its supporters