About the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is a state agency established in 1978 to manage the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program for South Carolina. The Consortium is a member of a nationwide network of 34 Sea Grant College Programs.

We are located Charleston, South Carolina, in the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor, established as a National Heritage Area by Congress.

What We Do

Our purpose is to generate and provide science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources.

Our Core Focus Areas

• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Coastal Development and Economy
• Weather and Climate Resilience
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Scientific Literacy and Workforce Development

Core Values

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium operates on a core set of values that are essential for successful performance.

The Consortium values:

• Trust, honesty, and respect in our professional interactions.
• Integrity and objectivity of program activities.
• Partnerships and teamwork to meet increasing demands for products and services.
• Excellence in quality of work by staff and partners.
• Public service to our stakeholders throughout the state, region, and nation.
• Inclusion of diverse perspectives in an intentional and impactful way.

Member Institutions

The Consortium member institutions are Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Medical University of South Carolina, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. State University, The Citadel, and University of South Carolina.

Our member institutions serve as our partners in research and outreach, and an executive officer of each institution serves on our board of directors.

South Atlantic Sea Grant Region

As part of the South Atlantic Sea Grant Region, the Consortium partners with North Carolina Sea Grant, Georgia Sea Grant, Florida Sea Grant, and Puerto Rico Sea Grant to implement regional research and outreach programs.

Legislation

The Consortium was created in 1978 as an independent state agency through Act No. 643 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws.

National Sea Grant College Program Act, 1966

South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium enabling legislation, S.C. Code of Laws, 1978