Founded in 1972, the mississippi-alabama sea grant consortium (masgc) is an organization of nine universities and laboratories supporting scientific research, communication, education, extension and…

Founded in 1972, the mississippi-alabama sea grant consortium (masgc) is an organization of nine universities and laboratories supporting scientific research, communication, education, extension and legal programs that foster the conservation and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources in alabama and mississippi. Coordinated by a central administrative unit in ocean springs, mississippi, the consortium members include auburn university, dauphin island sea lab, jackson state university, mississippi state university, the university of alabama, the university of alabama at birmingham, the university of mississippi, the university of southern mississippi and the university of south alabama. Education and engagement staff work at offices in biloxi, ocean springs and oxford, mississippi and dauphin island, mobile and tuscaloosa, alabama. Masgc envisions a future where people live, work and play along our coasts in harmony with the natural resources that attract and sustain them. This is a vision where we use our natural resources in ways that capture the economic, environmental and cultural benefits they offer, while preserving their quality and abundance for future generations. Masgcs mission is to provide integrated university- and college-based research, education, and engagement (communications, extension and legal) programs to coastal communities that lead to the responsible use of ocean and coastal resources in alabama and mississippi through informed personal, policy and management decisions. Masgc has four primary focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. During the 2024-2027 omnibus period masgc will invest $10,274,229 in federal and non-federal matching funds. These funds will be used to support 30 communications, education, extension, legal and outreach professionals based at six institutions totaling 7.8 ftes. Masgc will fund approximately 11 competitive research proposals using core omnibus funds with at least one project supported by the climate and resilience funding provided to every sea grant program. Masgc will also set aside 1.3% of the federal funds for program development projects and post-research project education and engagement supplemental activities. In addition to the support provided for education and engagement staff, research scientists and graduate students, masgc has an administrative staff, a board of directors consisting of a highlevel administrator from each member institution, an advisory council and a management team. Administrative accountability is essential, and the masgc implements policies approved by the board of directors. The organization follows fiscal guidelines set by NOAA and the university of southern mississippi. The management team consists of various positions responsible for coordinating activities and pursuing strategic opportunities. The advisory council contributes to program planning and implementation, while the board of directors sets administrative policy. Masgc has six management objectives, each with corresponding implementation strategies. These objectives cover administrative efficiency, fiscal management, funding acquisition, growth opportunities, regional collaboration, and research support.