University of New Hampshire Marine Docents, trained by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provided
over $83,000 worth of services to the three New Hampshire marine education centers in 2016,
enabling the centers to provide high quality marine science programs to a wide range of visitors that otherwise wouldn’t have been available.

The Seacoast Science Center, Gundalow Company and Great Bay Discovery Center are marine education centers in New Hampshire that, combined, reach more than 80,000 visitors annually. Educating stakeholders about the environmental challenges and responsible use of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources is vital for creating a sustainable economy and environment. New Hampshire Sea Grant trains volunteers (docents) to assist the three centers in their education activities.

The continued development and human use of New Hampshire’s natural resources results in significant ecosystem impacts, including habitat loss, water quality impairment, and colonization by invasive species. Founded in 2012, the Coastal Research Volunteer (CRV) Program is a "non-advocacy group whose mission is to support and enhance local research and to participate in meaningful science and stewardship relevant to the N.H. coastal watershed.”

In 2016, 153 citizen scientist volunteers contributed over 1,200 hours to the CRV program, collecting data for scientific projects, completing surveys, and restoring coastal ecosystems. From a survey of CRV participants, 97% of volunteers reported increased knowledge as a result of training and research activities, while 91% reported making an impact in their community due to their involvement with CRV.

Oyster aquaculture has continued to expand in New Hampshire, creating businesses, jobs, and revenue, and building a sustainable seafood industry in New England. New Hampshire Sea Grant has been aiding fishermen, entrepreneurs and students with state permitting and culture methods for marine aquaculture. Leading the growth in N.H. aquaculture is the continued expansion of oysters cultured in Little Bay.

In 2016, the N.H. oyster farming industry grew from 47 to 52 production acres. Nearly 185,000 oysters were sold from 11 of the 14 companies. This is expected to double as the new companies come on line with a harvestable 3” shell. There are approximately 7 million oysters growing on the bottom of Little Bay, with a farm gate value of over $4.5 million.