Project oceanology will use federal funding to acquire and outfit a second U.S. Coast guardinspected research vessel to expand hands-on marine science education, applied field research, and…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded Interdistrict Committee For Project Oceanology Corporation $960,000 on October 1, 2026, under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) to acquire and outfit a second U.S. Coast Guard-inspected research vessel for expanded hands-on marine science education, applied field research, and environmental monitoring in Long Island Sound and its watershed.

Project Oceanology will restore and expand vessel-based educational and research capacity to increase access for schools and communities across Connecticut and the Long Island Sound region. Once operational, the vessel will strengthen educational delivery and field-based data collection, enhance ocean literacy, support informed stewardship of natural resources, and contribute to the long-term environmental and economic resilience of Long Island Sound.

The award runs through September 30, 2028, with place of performance at Poquonock Bridge, Connecticut. Project Oceanology is a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Groton, Connecticut, operating exclusively in the federal grant space and delivering environmental education and watershed stewardship programming centered on place-based outdoor learning and fisheries education in the Thames River watershed region of southeastern Connecticut, serving underperforming school districts and environmental justice communities.

Project oceanology will use federal funding to acquire and outfit a second U.S. Coast guardinspected research vessel to expand hands-on marine science education, applied field research, and environmental monitoring in long island sound and its watershed. Outcomes include restoration and expansion of vessel-based capacity and increased access for schools and communities across connecticut and the long island sound region. Once operational, this investment will strengthen both educational delivery and field-based data collection capacity, enhance ocean literacy, support informed stewardship of natural resources, and contribute to the long-term environmental and economic resilience of long island sound.