New York Sea Grant (NYSG) is a university-based statewide program that connects research, outreach, and education with the needs of New York’s coastal communities, environments, and economies. Since 1971, we have supported science-based solutions for a wide range of water-related challenges and opportunities across the state.

NYSG is part of the National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 programs in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In New York, NYSG operates as a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York (SUNY), with staff based in 14 offices throughout the state.

New York’s Coastal Landscape

New York has 2,625 miles of shoreline that spans the Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Hudson River, and other vital waterways and estuaries. It is the only U.S. state that borders both the Great Lakes and marine coasts.

These waters are essential to New York’s economy, quality of life, and environmental health:

• Nearly 20 million residents live in New York

• Over 81% of New Yorkers reside in coastal counties

• Coastal areas support more than 7.5 million jobs, generating $566 billion in income and nearly $1.4 trillion in gross domestic product (Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management, 2018)

What We Do

NYSG supports high-quality, peer-reviewed research and connects it with real-world applications through a statewide network of extension professionals. We work with individuals, communities, governments, businesses, and academic institutions to address issues and opportunities within the following focus areas:

• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems

• Resilient Communities and Economies

• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development

Our team brings science and local knowledge together to help New Yorkers make informed decisions.

Our Impact and Future Focus

Since its inception, NYSG has:

• Managed over $200 million in research, extension, and education

• Supported more than 820 students through fellowships, training, and research support

• Facilitated hundreds of partnerships and maintained collaborations across three regional networks (Northeast, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic)

• Supported more than 35 innovative university-based research projects

Guided by our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and the input of partners and coastal stakeholders, NYSG is committed to advancing coastal science, supporting workforce development, and helping communities navigate change.