OMB number: 4040-0019 expiration date: 02/28/2025 project abstract summary this project abstract summary form must be submitted or the application will be considered incomplete

Ensure the project abstract field succinctly describes the project in plain language that the public can understand and use without the full proposal. Use 4,000 characters or less. Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive or proprietary information. Refer to agency instructions for any additional project abstract field requirements. If the application is funded, your project abstract information (as submitted) will be made available to public websites and/or databases including usaspending.GOV. Funding opportunity number NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-23187 cfda(S) 11.417 applicant name university of maine system acting through univ. Of maine descriptive title of applicant's project maine sea grant omnibus funding 2024-2027 project abstract this omnibus proposal serves as an implementation plan for the maine sea grant program's 2024-2027 strategic plan, prepared and approved by the national sea grant office in 2022.activities aligned with the program's strategic priorities are outlined for all functional elements and will be implemented according to our nationally-aligned focus areas of coastal ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal communities, and environmental literacy and workforce development. In all programming, we adhere to core values and cross-cutting principles. Program management - our management team focuses on oversight in supporting innovative applied research, and providing evidence-based information and extension, education, and community engagement efforts that meet our coastal communities' needs and priorities as they face economic, environmental, and cultural transitions. Research - maine sea grant seeks to foster the highest quality marine research with a strong likelihood of societal impact in maine. We run an open research competition every two years to support projects developed through meaningful engagement with coastal and marine interests and focused on research questions that are responsive to the needs of maine's communities. Maine sea grant meets the annual 30-50% target for funding competitive research and education through our biennial research calls, research assistantships, competed program development awards and annual allocation for future competed regional research. Communications - maine sea grant has a long history of promoting science communication. A robust communications team allows US to serve the wide variety of audiences that span the thousands of miles of coastline in our state. Extension - the marine extension team serves as a link between communities where they live and work, and the research and policy that affect maine people and ecosystems. Through professional, civic, and social engagement with other colleagues, partners, and constituents in coastal and watershed communities, the team is well- positioned to evaluate needs and opportunities and respond rapidly as issues or concerns emerge. The team facilitates two-way communication, sharing science-based information, and implementing programming to address needs, opportunities, and emerging issues among and between the affected parties and partners. Education - maine sea grant engages PK-16 students, graduate students, and educators in evidence-based learning, research, and monitoring. Our staff engage undergraduate and graduate students through mentorship, internship, and fellowship programs, and professional development opportunities. We also provide training programs that support professionals, students and learners of all ages seeking workforce development in marine and coastal sectors. Outcomes for each strategic focus area are detailed in the 2024-2027 maine sea grant strategic plan. Progress will be tracked and reported to the national sea grant office annually via national performance measures and metrics with annual targets. Research proposa