The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Engagement Program helps coastal communities in the region address concerns and problems surrounding the development, use and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. The program involves the collective efforts of professional extension, engagement and communications staff located in several offices:
- Auburn University Shellfish Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama
- Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program in Oxford, Mississippi
- University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
- The City of Biloxi, Mississippi
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama
- Jackson State University
- Alabama Water Institute CONSERVE Group, The University of Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
For more than 50 years, the engagement team has been actively involved with local governments, agencies and organizations and has assisted residents and decision-makers with choices about the use and management of ocean and coastal resources. Team members can be found at fishing docks, restoration sites, outdoor exhibits, city halls, schools and offices. Based on formal and informal needs assessments, strategic planning and stakeholder input, the team uses applied interdisciplinary research, communications, extension and legal services to conduct activities and research to address top concerns and problems regarding coastal resources.
Special Projects
VORTEX-SE Engagement
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory have partnered to create a model for a regional tornado extension program.
Bays and Bayous
The next symposium will take place in 2026.
Clean and Resilient Marina Program
The Clean and Resilient Marina Program is a voluntary program that recognizes marina operators who protect coastal water quality by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures.