Since the beginning of August, researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have received over $2.4 million from the National Science Foundation for a series of major projects to advance understanding of the impact of global environmental and climate changes on the world's ocean systems.

Dr. Michael Sieracki, Interim Director at Bigelow Laboratory and a recipient of one of the latest grants, believes the NSF awards are a reflection of an increasing trend toward the global, systems-wide approach to ocean science that has earned the Laboratory an international reputation as a research pioneer.

"This series of grants brings the total number of active NSF-sponsored projects currently at the Lab to twenty-one, representing over $11 million in research funding over the last five years," Sieracki said.

The NSF grants will fund a series of projects that examine the role of ocean life in stabilizing global climate conditions.

Officials in the state welcomed the news about the new flow of federal support for Bigelow Lab.

"Bigelow's new NSF funds are an important reminder of the groundbreaking work being conducted at this quality Maine facility, and of the great significance it has for the State of Maine," Governor Baldacci said.

"The Lab's success in attracting these funds is an example of the excellent return on the dollar for investments in research and development. I hope that voters will add their support for Maine's emerging research sector by approving the research and development bond on November 6."

Congressman Tom Allen, one of the co-chairs of the bipartisan House Ocean Caucus in the Congress, stressed the need for ongoing federal support for ocean science.

"The oceans aren't important only to coastal states," Allen said. "They're critical to the economy, security, and health of the entire nation. It's imperative that Congress continue to provide funds necessary to create the infrastructure and conduct the research that will increase our ability to better understand, utilize, and protect the marine environment."

Senator Susan Collins called Bigelow Laboratory "a priceless oceanographic resource for Maine and for the entire international science community."

"The Lab has always demonstrated outstanding scientific research capabilities, and the new NSF funding underscores and affirms Bigelow's leadership in ocean research," she said.

Established in 1974, Bigelow Laboratory (www.bigelow.org) is a private, non ­ profit research institution that has brought millions of research dollars to Maine every year, with approximately 95 percent of its funding coming from out of state. The Laboratory is a center for global ocean research, drawing marine scientists from all over the world. The Laboratory's primary research focus is on the foundation of biological productivity in the world's oceans and the processes that drive the interactions between marine ecosystems and global environmental conditions.