The federal government will award the University of Hawaii more than $1.7 million to fund its Sea Grant College Program and its management of the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz today.

“These programs are part of the statewide momentum to preserve and restore our natural resources,” said Schatz in a news release. “I’m glad they will have the funding they need for research, field projects, and community engagement.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will award about $1 million to the Sea Grant College Program, which part of a national network of 32 programs that promote the better understanding, conservation and use of coastal resources.

The funds will be directed toward research on upland watershed and offshore reefs as well as ways to help Hawaii support tourism in a more sustainable way.

NOAA will also offer $690,000 to the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology for its management of the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve in Kaneohe.