Change in reporting structure for Alaska Sea Grant

March 6, 2020

University Relations

Chancellor White recently charged a task force (PDF) with providing recommendations on the structure and placement of Alaska Sea Grant and its Marine Advisory Program within the University. The task force was established in response to concerns raised by a recent federal site review of the program.

Established at the University of Alaska Fairbanks 50 years ago, Alaska Sea Grant is a university and federal partnership, one of 34 programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant College Program.

The change moves Sea Grant under the Office of the Provost, with Marine Advisory Program extension faculty reporting directly to the Sea Grant director. Initially proposed to be implemented by the end of March, this change will now take place on June 30, 2020, to coincide with the end of the fiscal year.

The new placement of Alaska Sea Grant, organized under the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences since 1987, will be reviewed in two years to determine if the new structure is appropriate and effective in helping advance the mission of the program.

Alaska Sea Grant supports research, education, and extension activities that enhance the ability of Alaskans to understand, conserve and sustainably use Alaska’s rich and diverse marine and coastal resources.