Duluth, Minn. – Minnesota residents are being urged to sign a letter to Congress this week backing continued funding for the Sea Grant Program, which faces potential cuts in the upcoming federal budget.
According to Minnesota Sea Grant, nearly 350 supporters have already signed the letter, but more signatures are needed to show strong public support before fiscal year 2026 budget decisions are finalized. The Sea Grant Program, which delivers millions in federal and state benefits, supports jobs, scientific research, flood resilience, sustainable aquaculture, and tourism across Minnesota.
Sea Grant officials highlighted the program’s major impact, including a $35 return on every federal dollar invested, creation and retention of more than 800 jobs, and educational outreach to tens of thousands of students statewide between 2018 and 2023.
Without continued funding, officials warn that critical programs — such as water quality education, maritime safety, and habitat restoration — could be at risk. The letter stresses the importance of federal investment to sustain Minnesota’s blue economy and protect the Great Lakes region.
Minnesotans can add their names to the letter in less than 30 seconds by visiting https://z.umn.edu/mnseagrant_letter.
Supporters are encouraged to sign and share the request before Congress finalizes appropriations for next year.
