Rhode Island Sea Grant
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a non-profit federal-state-university partnership that delivers integrated coastal research, extension, and education programs across Rhode Island, funded primarily by NOAA and housed at URI's Graduate School of Oceanography. It serves coastal communities, researchers, students, policymakers, and fishing industry participants through publications, community science tools, and fellowships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersNarragansett, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Rhode Island Sea Grant does
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a non-profit federal-state-university research and extension program administered through a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography, and the State of Rhode Island. Headquartered at the URI Narragansett Bay Campus, the program employs approximately 10 staff and operates with a ~$1M-$5M annual budget drawn primarily from NOAA federal appropriations. Rhode Island Sea Grant's core mission is integrated research, extension, and education focused on four priority areas: coastal resilience, ocean planning, sustainable seafood, and marine law. It serves a diverse constituency including Rhode Island coastal communities, marine and coastal researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, state and municipal policymakers, and commercial and recreational fishing industry participants.
The program's product portfolio spans publications, digital tools, events, and fellowships. Key outputs include the biennial 41°N Magazine, the Shoreline Access App covering 340+ public coastal access points, and a suite of guides covering coastal property, shellfish heritage, sharks/tunas/billfishes, and natural places. Community science initiatives such as CoastSnap Rhode Island enable citizen shoreline monitoring. Technology infrastructure includes the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and Ocean State Ocean Model (OSOM) for ocean circulation and microplastic transport simulation, STORMTOOLS for storm inundation and sea level rise visualization, and advanced analytical instruments such as the Laser Directed Infrared Spectrometer (LDIR) for plastic identification. Fellowship and education programs include the prestigious Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship placing early-career professionals in federal offices, the Sea Grant Law Fellow Program at Roger Williams University (one of only four Sea Grant legal programs nationally), the Coastal Resilience Law & Policy Clinic, Community Engagement and Communications Fellowships, Community Engaged Internships, and the Coastal Fellowship. Annual events such as the Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium, Coastal State Discussion Series webinar series, Coastweeks, and the Rhode Island High School Seafood Cook-off drive community engagement.
Rhode Island Sea Grant does not generate commercial revenue in the traditional sense; instead, its operations are funded through NOAA federal appropriations with institutional support from the University of Rhode Island. All publications and digital tools are provided free to the public, with only nominal pricing on print guidebooks ($15-$25 range). The program catalyzes substantial downstream research investment, exemplified by a $7M NSF EPSCoR grant for plastic pollution research that followed initial Sea Grant-funded work. Strategic partnerships span NOAA, URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Roger Williams University Marine Affairs Institute, Rhode Island CRMC, Department of Environmental Management, Save The Bay, 5 Gyres Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Maine Sea Grant, and the Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center, positioning the program as the central convener of coastal science, policy, and education in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Sea Grant firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rhode Island Sea Grant
- Legal name
- Rhode Island Sea Grant
- Website
- https://seagrant.gso.uri.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Rhode Island Sea Grant is a non-profit federal-state-university partnership that delivers integrated coastal research, extension, and education programs across Rhode Island, funded primarily by NOAA and housed at URI's Graduate School of Oceanography. It serves coastal communities, researchers, students, policymakers, and fishing industry participants through publications, community science tools, and fellowships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rhode Island Sea Grant industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Research and Education Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Grantmaking Agencies & Education Program Grants Administration (EDADAHAD)
Keywords
Where Rhode Island Sea Grant is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Narragansett
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rhode Island Sea Grant business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Federal NOAA Funding: Rhode Island Sea Grant receives annual federal funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Sea Grant College Program. This constitutes the primary funding mechanism for the program's research, extension, and education activities.
- University of Rhode Island Partnership: As a federal-state partnership housed at URI's Graduate School of Oceanography, the program receives institutional support from the university including facilities, administration, and cross-funded positions.
- External Grants and Sponsored Research: The program facilitates and co-funds research grants from external sources including NSF EPSCoR grants, state agencies, and private foundations. Sea Grant funding often catalyzes additional investments, as demonstrated by the $7M NSF EPSCoR grant for plastic pollution research that followed initial Sea Grant-funded work.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free Educational Resources |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Print Publications |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Rhode Island Sea Grant product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a federal-state partnership program that funds integrated coastal and marine research, education, and outreach activities. It supports graduate fellowships, community science projects, environmental literacy programs, and extension services focused on Rhode Island's coastal and ocean resources.
Product overview
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a university/NOAA extension program (not a commercial product company) that offers an integrated portfolio of research, education, and outreach programs serving coastal and marine communities. The core offerings include: 41°N Magazine (biennial publication on ocean and coastal issues); the Shoreline Access App (web application for 340+ coastal access points); the Research & Scholarship Photo Contest; the Rhode Island High School Seafood Cook-off; and the Coastal State Discussion Series (public webinar forum). Fellowship programs include the prestigious Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, the Sea Grant Law Fellow Program, Coastal Resilience Law & Policy Clinic, Community Engagement & Communications Fellowship, Community Engaged Internship, Coastal Fellowship, and Senior Capstone. Publications include guides on coastal property, shellfish heritage, sharks/tunas/billfishes, natural places, and ecosystem-based management. The program also operates community science tools including CoastSnap Rhode Island and supports research initiatives on microplastics using modeling tools like STORMTOOLS, ROMS, and OSOM.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 41°N Magazine: Rhode Island's Ocean and Coastal Magazine published in partnership with the Coastal Institute at the University of Rhode Island
- Shoreline Access App
Products and services
- Sea Grant Research and Fellowship Funding Competitive research grants and graduate fellowships awarded to researchers and students conducting coastal and marine science relevant to Rhode Island.
- Coastal Extension and Outreach Programs Extension services that translate coastal and marine science into practical guidance for coastal communities, businesses, and resource managers in Rhode Island.
Quantifiable outcome
- Exceeded 50% nitrogen reduction goal for Narragansett Bay, resulting in measurable recovery of benthic ecosystems
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Rhode Island Sea Grant
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Rhode Island Sea Grant technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Rhode Island Sea Grant partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of LawflagshipRhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program is housed at the Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law—one of only four Sea Grant legal programs in the nation. Law Fellows research marine law issues under attorney supervision. Joint reports address shellfish management, solar siting, shoreline hardening, and coastal law. The partnership trains next generation of marine law professionals.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)flagshipNOAA is the parent federal agency for the Sea Grant program. The annual Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship places early-career professionals in NOAA offices. Rhode Island Sea Grant receives federal funding from NOAA and collaborates on NOAA initiatives including space weather, Hurricane Hunter missions, and NOAA Fisheries programs.
- Newport Restaurant GroupcoreNewport Restaurant Group features winning Seafood Cook-off recipes at their restaurants throughout Rhode Island. The partnership promotes local seafood, supports culinary education, and connects Sea Grant's youth programs with the hospitality industry.
- Maine Sea Grant / University of MainecoreDana Morse from Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine collaborates with Rhode Island Sea Grant on sea urchin aquaculture research. The Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research hatchery at University of Maine is the only operational seed supplier for green sea urchins in New England. Regional project aims to optimize hatchery production and share best practices across the region.
- Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC)coreNRAC leads a regional project with Rhode Island Sea Grant funding to optimize hatchery production for green sea urchins, ensuring regional growers have steady supply of affordable seed stock for aquaculture diversification.
- Warren Arts and Cultural CommissioncoreWarren Arts and Cultural Commission collaborated on the Visualizing Warren's Coastal Future art installation showcasing sea level rise projections. Partnership integrates art and science for community engagement on climate resilience.
- The Avenue ConceptcoreThe Avenue Concept partnered with Sea Grant on the Warren Art Walkway displaying sea level rise art installations. Partnership supports public art as tool for climate education and community engagement.
- Save The BaycoreRhode Island Sea Grant partners with Save The Bay on habitat restoration projects including the Kickemuit River dam removal. Save The Bay's restoration director serves as spokesperson for restoration outcomes and provides technical expertise on water quality and salt marsh restoration. The partnership contributes to community education through sponsored restoration tours and monitoring programs.
- Bristol County Water AuthoritycoreBristol County Water Authority owns the land at the Kickemuit River restoration site where two dams were removed. The approximately $4 million project was largely funded through grants, sparing BCWA ratepayers. BCWA works with partners including Sea Grant on land management and restoration oversight.
- Warren Conservation CommissioncoreWarren Conservation Commission sponsors habitat restoration tours and provides Keith Morton as representative for monitoring birdwatching outcomes at restored sites. The commission collaborates with Sea Grant on walking tours of restoration areas and conservation planning.
- 5 Gyres InstitutecoreVictoria Fulfer from the 5 Gyres Institute co-presented research on microplastics in Narragansett Bay sediments as part of Sea Grant's Coastal State Discussion Series. The partnership contributes expertise on microplastic distribution patterns and links local observations to national and global research and policy efforts.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutioncoreDr. Di Jin from WHOI collaborated on research exploring multi-use experiences of small coastal operators in Rhode Island's blue economy. The partnership contributes economic analysis of multi-use scenarios including integration of recreational activities with aquaculture.
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC)coreHeather Kinney from The Nature Conservancy collaborated on research examining benthic ecosystem changes in Narragansett Bay. TNC uses imagery methods to build baselines for comparison with historical data on nutrient reduction impacts. Co-sponsored presenter for Coastal State Discussion webinar series.
- Case Western Reserve UniversitycoreDr. Matthew Bertin (formerly of URI) continues research on harmful algal blooms and domoic acid production at Case Western Reserve. His research on drivers of toxic blooms in Narragansett Bay contributes to understanding of risks to the $12 million shellfish industry.
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of OceanographyflagshipGSO is the primary institutional host for Rhode Island Sea Grant. Provides research infrastructure, faculty expertise, student pipeline, and facilities at the Narragansett Bay Campus. GSO houses the Long-Term Plankton Time Series and numerous Sea Grant-funded research projects.
- Coastal Resources Center (CRC) at URIflagshipCRC at URI Graduate School of Oceanography is the primary institutional partner for Sea Grant. Co-hosts Coastweeks events, collaborates on Ocean SAMP, and provides research infrastructure. Jennifer McCann serves as Director of U.S. Coastal Programs at CRC and Director of Extension for Rhode Island Sea Grant.
- Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)flagshipCRMC is Rhode Island's state coastal management agency and key partner. Collaborates on Ocean SAMP, shoreline access programs, coastal resilience initiatives, and co-hosts Coastweeks events. Executive Director Grover Fugate helped author recreation reports. CRMC prohibits structural shoreline hardening in Type 1 Conservation Areas.
- Clean Ocean AccesscoreClean Ocean Access co-sponsors Coastweeks events including the East Beach Walking Tour. Partnership contributes to community education on shoreline public access and coastal conservation.
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementcoreRI DEM is a sponsor of the Seafood Cook-off event and partner on seafood safety education. Works with Sea Grant on shellfish management and aquaculture regulatory guidance.
- Rhode Island Hospitality AssociationcoreRI Hospitality Association co-sponsors the annual Seafood Cook-off event, supporting culinary arts and cooking skill development while celebrating local seafood resources.
- Warwick Area Career & Technical CentercoreWarwick Area Career & Technical Center serves as host venue for the Seafood Cook-off and co-sponsor of the event. Provides culinary facilities and student participation in the annual seafood competition.
- Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers AssociationcoreRISAA is an event participant and co-sponsor for the Baird Symposium focusing on climate change effects on recreational fishing and boating. Capt. Greg Vespe serves as Executive Director and speaker. Dave Monti serves in leadership roles and writes about recreational fisheries for The Providence Journal.
- ØrstedcoreØrsted, operator of the Block Island Wind Farm (catalyzed by Ocean SAMP), is an event participant for Baird Symposium discussions on climate change and recreational fishing. Greg DeCelles, Chief Science Officer, presented on offshore wind energy opportunities.
- Ocean ConservancycoreOcean Conservancy co-sponsored Baird Symposium event on climate change and recreational fishing. Meredith Moore, Director of Fish Conservation Program, served as session speaker.
- Safe Harbor MarinascoreSafe Harbor Marinas co-sponsored Baird Symposium on climate change effects on recreational boating. Joe Mariani, Regional Vice President, served as session speaker on industry response to climate impacts.
- American Saltwater Guides AssociationcoreASGA co-sponsored Baird Symposium on climate change effects on recreational fishing. Dr. Willy Goldsmith, Executive Director, served as session speaker on angler experiences with climate change.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Rhode Island Sea Grant competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Connecticut Sea Grant: Connecticut Sea Grant is a UConn-based state Sea Grant program serving neighboring Long Island Sound coastal communities. It is a direct peer operating under the same NOAA Sea Grant framework with comparable programs in coastal resilience, sustainable seafood, and marine literacy for a nearby Northeast audience.
- New Hampshire Sea Grant: New Hampshire Sea Grant is a UNH-based state Sea Grant program that operates the same federal-state-university model and shares the New England coastal geography. It runs comparable research, extension, and education programming for coastal communities, fisheries, and waterfront resilience.
- Massachusetts Sea Grant (MIT/WHOI): Massachusetts Sea Grant is a sibling state Sea Grant program administered through a partnership of MIT, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and UMass Amherst. It serves the same New England coastal communities, shares NOAA federal funding structure, and runs an overlapping research-extension-education portfolio including coastal resilience, sustainable fisheries, and marine policy.
- Maine Sea Grant: Maine Sea Grant is the University of Maine-based state Sea Grant program and an explicit collaborator with Rhode Island Sea Grant on regional aquaculture (sea urchin hatchery) and shellfish management research. It operates the same federal-state-university model with overlapping focus areas in coastal communities, fisheries, and marine law.
Broad incumbents
- National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA): The National Sea Grant College Program is the NOAA-administered parent network of 30+ state Sea Grant programs. Rhode Island Sea Grant operates within and receives its core funding from this network, making it the direct federal-level counterpart that establishes standards, distributes appropriations, and coordinates the broader Sea Grant system.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI): WHOI is a major private oceanographic research institution that co-hosts Massachusetts Sea Grant and serves as a research partner of Rhode Island Sea Grant (e.g., Dr. Di Jin's blue economy research). It operates at a substantially larger scale across all marine science disciplines and represents the broader research establishment in which state Sea Grant programs operate.
Emerging players
- Save The Bay (Narragansett Bay): Save The Bay is a Rhode Island-based nonprofit focused on protecting and improving Narragansett Bay. It is an explicit partner on habitat restoration (Kickemuit River dam removal) and shares overlapping mission areas in coastal education, advocacy, and water quality improvement for the same geographic audience.
Others
- Nature Conservancy (Rhode Island / Narragansett Bay): The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation NGO with active Rhode Island programs that collaborates with Rhode Island Sea Grant on benthic ecosystem research and coastal resilience. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant in marine and coastal conservation for the same geography but operates at a much larger national scale.
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography: URI GSO is the primary institutional host for Rhode Island Sea Grant, providing facilities, faculty, and the Narragansett Bay Campus. It is a peer in the sense that it conducts overlapping marine research and shares faculty and students with the Sea Grant program, but operates as a degree-granting academic institution rather than an extension program.
- Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC): CRMC is Rhode Island's primary state coastal management agency and a flagship institutional partner of Rhode Island Sea Grant, collaborating on the Ocean SAMP, shoreline access, and coastal resilience. It is a peer in serving the same coastal policy and regulatory audience but operates as the regulatory body rather than as a research/extension program.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rhode Island Sea Grant social profiles
Digital presenceRhode Island Sea Grant financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rhode Island Sea Grant leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Rhode Island Sea Grant funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rhode Island Sea Grant M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island Sea Grant
What does Rhode Island Sea Grant do?
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a federal-state partnership program that funds integrated coastal and marine research, education, and outreach activities. It supports graduate fellowships, community science projects, environmental literacy programs, and extension services focused on Rhode Island's coastal and ocean resources.
Is Rhode Island Sea Grant a public or private company?
Rhode Island Sea Grant is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Rhode Island Sea Grant founded?
Rhode Island Sea Grant was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Rhode Island Sea Grant based?
Rhode Island Sea Grant is headquartered in Narragansett, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rhode Island Sea Grant make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Federal NOAA Funding is the primary driver. The others are university of Rhode Island Partnership and external Grants and Sponsored Research.
Who are Rhode Island Sea Grant's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Connecticut Sea Grant, New Hampshire Sea Grant, Massachusetts Sea Grant (MIT/WHOI) and Maine Sea Grant. Broad incumbents are National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Save The Bay (Narragansett Bay) is listed as an emerging player. Others are Nature Conservancy (Rhode Island / Narragansett Bay), University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography and Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).
Does Rhode Island Sea Grant have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rhode Island Sea Grant.
What industry is Rhode Island Sea Grant in?
Rhode Island Sea Grant's product category is Marine Research and Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAMAI, Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines), with a secondary code of BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.