MIT Sea Grant College Program

The MIT Sea Grant College Program has brought the research and engineering core of MIT to bear on ocean-related challenges for over 40 years. We promote the conservation and sustainable development of marine resources through research, education, and outreach. MIT Sea Grant is part of a nationwide network of 34 Sea Grant programs funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Our Marine Advisory Services work encompasses applied coastal and marine research, education, training, tools and resources, and outreach activities. We work with community leaders, educators, students, professionals, citizen scientists, and a wide range of partners to promote ocean literacy, healthy ecosystems, resilient coastal communities, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Contact seagrantinfo@mit.edu for more information about lab tours and visits, internships, educational programs, and any other outreach-related activities!

MIT Sea Grant Internships

MIT Sea Grant hosts student interns from local high schools (aged 16+) as well as undergraduates and graduate students who contribute to research projects. Interns typically join research teams during the summer, but semester projects may also be possible. A limited number of opportunities are available on topics ranging from ocean engineering to food web dynamics and to coastal ecology to human dimensions and public policy.

Please note: MIT students are also encouraged to engage with MIT Sea Grant through internships, research, MIT classes, events, and volunteer opportunities.

MIT Sea Grant and Local Schools

MIT Sea Grant engages with local educators and student groups to improve marine science education through curriculum advancement, professional development, and workshops. A recent project connected our coastal ecologist and research scientists with the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research to mentor high school students in conducting a study on the effectiveness of bait for counting fish populations in eelgrass beds.

Blue Lobster Bowl | Regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl

Now in its 22nd year, the Blue Lobster Bowl includes over 120 students from as many as 24 Massachusetts high schools competing in an ocean science quiz bowl at MIT. Topics include biology, chemistry, geology, physics, history, and economics of the ocean, as well as ocean-related current events. Teams must apply to participate by early December, and volunteers are invited to help run the bowl, which occurs annually in early March. Winning teams compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April.

Visit MIT Sea Grant

Interested in visiting our facilities? Participating in a competition? MIT Sea Grant may be able to provide resources or open our facilities to local student and teacher groups.

  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Lab
  • Biology Lab
  • Design Lab for naval architecture and systems
  • Katádysi Art Gallery – Under a Thousand Waves | Visiting Artist Keith Ellenbogen
  • Ocean Engineering and Education Lab and testing tank