Sea Grant College Program Management

Objectives:The MIT Sea Grant College Program is responsible for Sea Grant’s activities in Massachusetts and works as the senior partner in collaboration with the Sea Grant Institutional Program at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Program Management objectives are to support the goals of the National Sea Grant College Program and those of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by deploying financial and human resources in appropriate endeavors throughout the Commonwealth. This revision to the current project, Sea Grant Program Management (PM-1,) will support the additional management and guidance of the MIT Sea Grant strategic planning research direction and operational demands, in keeping with continued expansion of the NSGO program themes.Methodology:Broad policy and program directions are established by the two advisory bodies working in concert with the Sea Grant Director. The State Advisory Council and the Sea Grant Faculty Committee meet twice a year, including a joint meeting for preliminary proposal review where projects are selected to be recommended for full write-up. At a subsequent meeting, The Joint Committee reviews advisory themes, research objectives and overall strategy for the program.Rationale:MIT Sea Grant is the locus for activities and personnel involved in the MIT Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Laboratory. Co-locating the AUV Lab in the Sea Grant office has been mutually beneficial. The Lab’s research staff and students stimulate and support our advisory efforts and, in turn, all visitors to MIT Sea Grant are exposed to the latest developments and missions of our AUV’s.