3. Marine Biotechnology Briefing

The first-ever “National Marine Biotechnology Briefings” were held for organizations in the Washington, D.C. area November 8-10, 2005, and led to heightened awareness and the basis for possible actions to develop appropriate and complementary academic, industry and agency efforts to advance marine biotechnology. In sum, a small, self-selected, nationally representative briefing team led by FSG associate director Bill Seaman built engagement in this field by: (1) further developing the relationship of Sea Grant, and indeed overall marine-related academia, with BIO, the Biotechnology Industry Organization; (2) updating National Sea Grant Office leadership on achievements across the national Sea Grant network and impacts coming out of the pipeline based on work in earlier years; and (3) educating at least 60 attendees on Capitol Hill about the promise, excitement and accomplishments of marine biotechnology, with the possibility of two future briefings identified. The latter briefing was co-sponsored by BIO, which hosted lunch, and the Sea Grant Association. Issues addressed include recommendations of the U.S. Ocean Commission to expand marine bioactive product discovery, and faculty concerns for filling the vacant biotech specialist position at NSG.