Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act allocated to enhance Delaware coastal research efforts

Delaware Secures Funding for Marine Technology Innovation

The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated $16.7 million for marine technology innovation funding, with Delaware set to benefit from a portion of this investment through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Fostering Sustainability and Climate Adaptation

Out of the 12 awards distributed, two will directly impact Delaware, aiming to support the development of new technologies and partnerships focused on sustainability, equity, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.

University of Delaware’s Marine Biodiversity Observation Network

The University of Delaware/Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System is set to receive $1,750,000 for the establishment of a Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) along the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Expanding BioTrack for Biodiversity Monitoring

The Shark Research Foundation will also receive $1,750,000 to expand BioTrack, a collaborative network assessing biodiversity hotspots where marine megafauna coexist, in partnership with the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network and the Animal Tracking Network.

Promoting Coastal Resilience

These initiatives, overseen by the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are part of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System’s Marine Life and Ocean Technology Transition programs. The funded projects aim to equip communities with tools and information to enhance coastal resilience.

Enhancing Coastal Ecosystem Management

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of understanding and managing coastal areas to address climate change effectively. The awarded projects will enable vital insights into the health and status of coastal ecosystems.