Maine Senator Susan Collins receives the Sea Grant Association award

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (center) holds the Sea Grant Association Award alongside GayleZydlewski, Director of Maine Sea Grant (left), and Erik Chapman, President of the Sea Grant Association and Director of New Hampshire Sea Grant (right).

March 4, 2026

Washington D.C. — The Sea Grant Association presented U.S. Senator Susan Collins with its Sea Grant Association Award, in recognition of her commitment to supporting the Sea Grant program, including the research, outreach, and education programs that strengthen U.S. seafood competitiveness, improve supply chain efficiency, and build a skilled workforce. 

The Sea Grant Association Award, last conferred in 2018, recognizes exemplary efforts for the Sea Grant program. Last year, after proposed funding cuts, Senator Collins’ immediate response and dedicated efforts restored full funding for the Maine Sea Grant program. Senator Collins' personal commitment and leadership as Chair of the Appropriations Committee again delivered full funding for the Sea Grant program in the current Fiscal Year 2026.

"I met Senator Collins in 2019, when I became Director of the Maine Sea Grant program and felt as soon as I walked in the room that she knew all about Sea Grant, loved Sea Grant, and we were in good hands.” said Gayle Zydlewski, Director of Maine Sea Grant. “Senator Collins’ commitment to Maine Sea Grant and to the people of Maine has never waned, and we are so grateful for her enduring support. Last year was unprecedented, and Senator Collins was three-steps ahead of us all when we really needed her. Her extraordinary efforts to fully fund Maine Sea Grant buoyed the entire Sea Grant network. We are incredibly grateful for her support."