Reporting & eSeaGrant Instructions

Why we report

All 34 Sea Grant programs are required by the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO). Annual reporting provides quantitative data points and qualitative components that are used to project-level progress and impact, broader program impact and evaluation, and are used to inform efforts by the NSGO to support local or regional partnership efforts at the national level. NSGO uses these elements to communicate the value of Sea Grant’s work for communication products and materials; as talking points for Sea Grant and NOAA leadership; to inform congressional communication; and, to demonstrate the ability of Sea Grant to take advantage of ongoing and emerging opportunities.

Annual reporting plays a central role in evaluating progress relative to each Sea Grant program’s strategic plan and awards, and it is important to regularly reflect on the guidance to consider whether changes are needed for the future. It is a necessary and integral part of program evaluation, providing NSGO with an understanding of how well the program is progressing and whether the program is changing course, seizing new opportunities or perhaps not advancing in areas that are important to the program.