More Than $240,000 Awarded to Mystic Aquarium

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced Wednesday a federal grant award of $241,030 to the Mystic Aquarium from the National Science Foundation. The funding will support a partnership between Mystic Aquarium and the UConn-Avery Point campus in Groton that will train eight UConn students interested in marine biology during a 10-week summer sessions to be held annually from 2017-2019.

Their training will focus on the effects of climate change, ocean acidification, and other global changes on aquatic ecosystems, according to a release. The students selected to participate will receive a stipend, housing, meals, and travel allowances. (To sign up for Stonington/Mystic breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Mystic Aquarium and the UConn-Avery Point campus have a long history of excellence in the fields of marine biology and conservation,” Courtney said in a release. “This federal funding will allow them to provide a select group of students a hands-on, immersive experience in preserving our oceans. This type of targeted grant funding for critical scientific endeavors typifies the work that the National Science Foundation carries out across our country.

"I have been a leading advocate for the NSF and I will continue to oppose all efforts to cut funding for this vital institution. The fight against climate change and other environmental damage to our oceans is a critical effort, and I am glad that we will continue to train the next generation of marine biologists and conservationists right here in eastern Connecticut.”

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