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UNCW jointly leads a new ocean exploration institute

Posted by Debra Worley - email

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - UNCW is teaming up with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University to jointly lead a new ocean exploration institute.

The National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced a five-year, $22.5 million award of a new cooperative institute that will conduct underwater research.

"This is an important day for Harbor Branch, Florida Atlantic University, our partners and the coastal ocean of the eastern seaboard," said Dr. John Pritchett of FAU in a statement.

The new institute will conduct research under three main themes: development of advanced underwater technologies, exploration and research of frontier regions of the eastern continental shelf and beyond, and improved understanding of deep and shallow coral ecosystems.

"The NOAA cooperative institute will be responsible for research and development along the entire East Coast of the United States," said Dr. Daniel Baden of UNCW.  "It's really an intense proposal."

The institute should be up and running by July and will be headquartered at an FAU campus in Ft. Pierce, Florida.

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