Washington Sea Grant

What Washington Sea Grant does

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) is a federally designated research, education, and outreach program operating as one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by NOAA and housed within the University of Washington's College of the Environment. Founded in 1971, the organization delivers programs across five core areas: Coastal Hazards and Climate Resilience, Seafood/Fisheries/Aquaculture, Water Quality, Marine Economy and Workforce Development, and Shorelines and Restoration. Its work encompasses marine science research funding, technical assistance to coastal communities, workforce training for fisheries and aquaculture industries, K-12 marine science education, and stakeholder facilitation for ocean use conflicts. Named beneficiaries include tribal nations (Makah, Swinomish, Quinault), marina operators (Oak Harbor, Port of Everett, Leschi), commercial fishing associations (Columbia River Crab Fishermen's Association), and research institutions (Friday Harbor Laboratories, Western Washington University).

WSG's product surface is programmatic rather than commercial. Major offerings include competitive research grant funding (e.g., $2 million awarded across seven projects in July 2026), fellowship pipelines (Knauss, Hershman, Keystone, Coastal Resilience, Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal, Science Communication), the Pumpout Washington education program with its Pumpout Nav mobile app, the Clean Marina Washington certification program, and the WSG Crab Team invasive species monitoring program. Digital infrastructure consists of the eSeaGrant funding application portal, a website, blog, Sea Star magazine, and social media channels. Underlying technology is conventional (marine monitoring instrumentation, GIS mapping for the Pumpout Nav app, standard web/app platforms); no proprietary AI/ML systems or data products are described.

WSG's business model is fully government-funded and operates as a non-profit extension service with no commercial revenue. Primary funding streams include federal NOAA Sea Grant appropriations, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards (e.g., $259,888 National Coastal Resilience Fund), and state agency partnerships (Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act grants, Department of Ecology water quality programs). All services are provided free of charge. Between 2021-2024, WSG reported $250 million in supported economic benefits, 1,500 jobs created or sustained, and 7,633 acres of coastal habitat restored. Distribution occurs through the Seattle headquarters, regional field offices in Port Townsend, Bellingham, and South Bend, plus partner-hosted fellowship placements across more than a dozen government, NGO, and tribal host organizations.

Name

Washington Sea Grant

Legal name

Washington Sea Grant

Website

https://wsg.washington.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Washington Sea Grant is a NOAA-designated marine research, education, and outreach program at the University of Washington serving Washington's coastal communities, tribal nations, fisheries, and marine industries through funded research, fellowships, workforce training, and stakeholder facilitation, supported by federal and state government appropriations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Science Research and Outreach

NAICS

Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (48839)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Workforce Development & Training Grants (Public Health) (HLAJALAM), Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training (EDAOAMAJ)

Keywords

• Marine science research
• Coastal resilience programs
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Water quality monitoring
• Marine workforce training

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal NOAA Funding: Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a university-based program, it receives federal appropriations through NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program to support marine science research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.
2. State and Local Funding Partnerships: Partnerships with Washington state agencies including Washington State Parks (Clean Vessel Act program), Washington Department of Ecology, and other state entities to administer water quality, boating education, and coastal resilience programs.
3. Federal Research Grants: Competitive grant funding for aquaculture collaboratives, marine debris removal, and coastal resilience projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and NOAA programs. Award totals of approximately $4.7 million for aquaculture collaboratives and $299,965 for marine debris efforts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Washington Sea Grant is a federally funded research, education, and outreach program based at the University of Washington's College of the Environment and one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by NOAA. It delivers programmatic services across five core areas—Coastal Hazards and Climate Resilience, Seafood/Fisheries/Aquaculture, Water Quality, Marine Economy and Workforce Development, and Shorelines and Restoration—along with fellowships, K-12 and workforce education, competitive research funding, and stakeholder facilitation for coastal communities, tribal nations, and marine industries across Washington state.

Product overview

Washington Sea Grant is a research, education, and outreach program (not a commercial product company) that operates as one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by NOAA. The organization offers a portfolio of programs organized around five strategic focus areas: Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, Resilient Communities and Economies, Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. The core offerings include five major programmatic areas (Coastal Hazards and Climate Resilience, Seafood/Fisheries/Aquaculture, Water Quality, Marine Economy/Workforce Development, and Shorelines/Restoration), fellowship opportunities, funding programs, and education/training initiatives. Digital tools include the Pumpout Nav app for boaters, eSeaGrant application portal, and various monitoring databases. The organization is based at the University of Washington within the College of the Environment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pumpout Nav App: Mobile application mapping nearly 200 pumpout and dump stations throughout Washington, available for iOS and Android, with real-time pumpout tracking feature.

Products and services

• Coastal Hazards and Climate Resilience Program A program offering data, training, professional networking, and technical assistance to support resilient coastal communities, covering sea level rise and erosion, king tides, tsunami preparedness, marine carbon dioxide removal, and ocean acidification.

Quantifiable outcome

• $250 million in supported economic benefits and services between 2021–2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)coreGovernmentNOAA provides federal funding and oversight through the National Sea Grant College Program. WSG is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by NOAA in coastal and Great Lakes states. NOAA's Office of Education, National Marine Sanctuaries, and National Marine Fisheries Service collaborate on fellowships, research, and marine policy.
• University of Washington College of the EnvironmentcoreEducationWSG is based at UW and housed within the College of the Environment. This partnership provides access to academic research infrastructure, faculty expertise, student talent pipeline, and institutional resources across multiple departments including Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Oceanography, and Marine Biology.
• Indigenous Aquaculture CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG leads this collaborative focused on Indigenous aquaculture practices, fostering student participation, research and communications. Part of NOAA Sea Grant's 2019 National Aquaculture Initiative with continued federal funding for another two years.
• West Coast Aquaculture CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG leads this collaborative to advance aquaculture research and industry practices along the West Coast. Continues research, extension and outreach activities with partner Sea Grant programs.
• Seaweed HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG is a partner in this NOAA Sea Grant initiative led by Connecticut Sea Grant to advance seaweed production research and development.
• Hawai'i-Pacific Aquaculture ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG is a partner in this consortium led by Hawai'i Sea Grant focused on sustainable aquaculture development.
• Washington CoastSaversmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG partners with Washington CoastSavers and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation on marine debris removal efforts. Awarded $299,965 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support annual beach cleanups at nearly 50 beaches and expand education efforts.
• National Marine Sanctuary FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG partners with the Foundation on the marine debris Community Action Coalitions grant, combining expertise in coastal stewardship and marine conservation.
• Washington State ParksmajorGovernmentWSG collaborates with Washington State Parks on the Clean Vessel Act program which funds pumpout infrastructure at ports and marinas. State Parks manages CVA program in Washington, supporting WSG's Pumpout Washington education efforts.
• Washington Department of EcologymajorGovernmentWSG partners with Ecology on Pumpout Washington, Small Spills Prevention Program, and Y-valve education campaigns. Joint efforts to protect Puget Sound water quality and comply with No Discharge Zone regulations.
• Makah TribemajorGovernmentWSG has partnered with the Makah Tribe for over 30 years on fisheries safety training, workshop instruction in first aid, emergency preparedness, fire response, cold-water rescue, and other safety measures. WSG marine operations specialist Sarah Fisken leads the collaboration.
• Columbia River Crab Fishermen's AssociationmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWSG facilitates the Crabber-Towboat Lane Agreement between crab fishers and towboat operators. The Association awarded WSG's Jenna Keeton their Black Hat Award for helping sustain fishing jobs through stakeholder engagement.
• Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNMTA partners with WSG and Sound Keepers on the Clean Marina Washington certification program. NMTA established the certification program and conducts environmental practice assessments.
• Sound KeepersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG partners with Sound Keepers on the Clean Marina certification program, combining marine conservation expertise with marina industry engagement.
• Swinomish Indian Tribal CommunitymajorGovernmentWSG partnered with Swinomish Tribal Community for shellfish mortality surveys following the 2021 heat wave. Community fisheries department participated in clam biomass estimation studies.
• Quinault Indian NationmajorGovernmentWSG and Washington CoastSavers partner with Quinault Indian Nation to expand cleanup and outreach education efforts in remote coastal areas, supporting youth-led marine debris prevention messaging through Career and Technical Education programs.
• Lower Columbia Estuary PartnershipmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG is a partner on a $259,888 NFWF-NOAA National Coastal Resilience Fund award to the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership for community-based hazards and habitat resilience planning in the Columbia River Estuary.
• Olympic Coast National Marine SanctuarymajorGovernmentWSG collaborates with the Sanctuary on beach cleanup efforts and ocean acidification research and community engagement along Washington's outer coast.
• Olympic National ParkminorGovernmentWSG partners with Olympic National Park on beach cleanup efforts in remote coastal areas accessible only through the park.
• United States Geological Survey (USGS)majorTechnology or IntegrationWSG supports the development and use of USGS Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) in Washington state for coastal resilience planning and hazard assessment.
• North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council (NODC)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWSG Coastal Resilience Fellows work with NODC on community engagement and policy research to strengthen coastal resilience for Washington communities.
• Puget Sound PartnershipmajorGovernmentWSG Keystone Fellows are placed with the Puget Sound Partnership to support marine policy and conservation planning. Partnership hosts fellows working on diversity, equity and inclusion integration.
• U.S. Coast GuardmajorGovernmentWSG facilitated five meetings between Coast Guard officials, crab fishers, towboat operators, bar pilots, and fisheries managers to address federalization of towlanes while preserving local flexibility.
• Washington State Fish and Wildlife AgencymajorGovernmentState agency representatives participate in biannual Crabber-Towboat Lane Agreement meetings facilitated by WSG to review successes and challenges in the shared ocean space.
• Washington Conservation ActionminorNonprofit NGOWSG Keystone Fellows work with Washington Conservation Action to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into marine management and strategic plans.
• Port of Grays HarborminorGovernmentWSG works with Port of Grays Harbor on shipping lane issues affecting crabbing grounds along the Washington coast.
• Salish Sea CollectiveminorNonprofit NGOWSG Keystone Fellows support the Salish Sea Equity and Justice Symposium and work toward collective visions for recovery and healing of the Salish Sea.
• Coastal Hazards Resilience Network (CHRN)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWSG co-manages the Coastal Hazards Resilience Network which connects communities across Washington's coast for shared learning and resilience building.
• Southwest Washington Marine LeagueminorNonprofit NGOPartner in Tide's Out Aquaculture Workforce Development programs providing training for shellfish industry workers in coastal Washington communities.
• Kitsap Beach NaturalistsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliate organization providing beach naturalist programming and water stewardship education in Kitsap County.
• Friday Harbor LaboratoriesmajorEducationWSG funded researchers at Friday Harbor Laboratories to conduct shellfish mortality surveys following the 2021 heat wave, including lead author Wendel Raymond.
• Western Washington UniversitymajorEducationWSG partners with WWU for graduate fellowships including Keystone Fellowship. WWU master's students work on marine research projects including pinto abalone restoration and harmful algal blooms.
• Connecticut Sea GrantminorEducationWSG partners with Connecticut Sea Grant on the Seaweed Hub initiative, combining expertise across coastal programs.
• Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, & Ecosystem Studies (CICOES)majorEducationWSG affiliate organization at UW conducting climate and ocean research that complements WSG's coastal resilience and marine science programs.
• UW Climate Impacts GroupmajorEducationWSG partners with the Climate Impacts Group on the Summer Learning Institute for emerging environmental professionals and coastal resilience planning.
• National Park ServiceminorGovernmentWSG Coastal Resilience Fellows work with NPS staff on coastal resilience projects including tsunami research and outreach at Olympic National Park beaches.
• Seattle AquariumminorNonprofit NGOWSG partners with Seattle Aquarium on NOAA Science Camp low-tide outreach events and beach naturalist programming.
• Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSG funded MARINe to resurvey intertidal sites following the 2021 heat wave, collaborating across federal agencies, tribes, and academic institutions for comprehensive ecosystem assessment.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Oregon Sea Grant: Oregon Sea Grant is the NOAA-designated Sea Grant program for Oregon, based at Oregon State University. Directly comparable as a state-level Sea Grant delivering marine research, coastal community engagement, and fisheries support along the adjacent Pacific coastline.
• California Sea Grant: California Sea Grant is the NOAA-designated Sea Grant program for California, based at Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UC San Diego. Directly comparable in scope, structure, and mission as the largest West Coast Sea Grant program.
• Puget Sound Partnership: Puget Sound Partnership is a Washington state agency leading the recovery of Puget Sound, with overlapping marine conservation, tribal engagement, and federal/state funding channels. Direct peer in regional marine stewardship with shared geography and funding sources.
• National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a congressionally-chartered nonprofit supporting NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System, with overlapping marine debris, coastal stewardship, and education work. Direct peer that WSG partners with on BIL-funded marine debris programs.
• Surfrider Foundation: Surfrider Foundation is a national nonprofit focused on ocean and coastal protection, beach access, and water quality — directly comparable marine conservation advocacy and education operations including Pacific Northwest chapter activity overlapping WSG's service area.
• Nature Conservancy (Washington): The Nature Conservancy's Washington chapter runs marine and coastal conservation programs with comparable climate resilience, habitat restoration, and tribal partnership work. Direct peer in Pacific Northwest marine conservation operating at similar scale.
• Coastal States Organization: Coastal States Organization is a nonpartisan organization of the nation's coastal states, territories, and affiliates on coastal policy. Comparable peer in federal coastal policy advocacy and inter-state coordination on issues including Sea Grant funding.
• Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership: Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is a bi-state nonprofit restoring the lower Columbia River estuary, with directly comparable coastal resilience, habitat restoration, and community-based planning work — WSG is a co-fund recipient on a $259,888 NCRF award.

Broad incumbents

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is the federal parent organization that funds and oversees the entire 34-program Sea Grant College Program. WSG operates as a federal-state extension of NOAA's mission, with NOAA as both primary funder and broad-incumbent peer setting national priorities.
• National Sea Grant College Program: The National Sea Grant Office administers the federal Sea Grant College Program that includes all 34 state Sea Grant programs. Functions as WSG's institutional parent and federal funding coordinator — broader incumbent setting programmatic direction and competition rules.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCImxOhZ1SHUHh19xWIiSfOQ/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/WaSeaGrant
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-sea-grant
• Instagraminstagram.com/waseagrant

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Washington Sea Grant