Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program, established in 1966, serves 31 States and 2 territories to strengthen the health and stewardship of local, State, and national coastal and marine resources; Whereas 42 percent of the United States population lives or works in a coastal area, and coastal counties contribute over $7,600,000,000,000 annually to the economy; Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program is critical in improving the health of coastal ecosystems, supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, building resilient communities and economies, improving environmental literacy, and developing the next generation of students in science and technology; Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program had an economic impact of $575,000,000 in 2015 from a Federal investment of $67,300,000, which is an 854-percent return on investment; Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program creates or sustains more than 20,000 jobs and 2,900 businesses annually; Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program has supported 1,175 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellows in Congress and throughout Federal agencies since 1979; and Whereas the National Sea Grant College Program has supported thousands of undergraduate and graduate students at institutions of higher education across the United States: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the Senate that the National Sea Grant College Program is— (1) of vital importance to improving the economy, health, stewardship, and preparedness of the United States; (2) an exceptional example of effective partnerships between Federal, State, and local governments; and (3) a valuable investment for the Federal Government.