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Extension Success StoriesView OSU Extension Success Stories by Program AreaSea GrantExtension programs help provide a fresher, safer seafood product for Oregonians Each year, 1,500 fishers learn on-board techniques for safe handling of the catch and 2,200 seafood processors learn how to comply with new FDA regulations for sanitation and safety. Extension Sea Grant faculty developed model processing plans as guidelines for an industry standard. Groundfish Disaster Outreach Program helps fishing families In 2000, nearly half of Oregon’s fishing fleet was out of work due to groundfish catch restrictions. Sea Grant educators organized the Groundfish Disaster Outreach Program with grant funds to develop education and retraining programs. In the past two years, these programs have served 161 individuals and families. Extension works with communities to improve watershed stewardship Extension Sea Grant, agriculture, and forestry programs help watershed councils and local citizens form effective partnerships and develop strategies for enhancing or restoring local watersheds. Since 2001, more than 550 people have participated in Watershed Stewardship Education Program workshops. Nearly 300 people have completed Master Watershed Stewardship training, and many of these volunteers have received grants of $2,000 to $20,000 to carry out on-the-ground projects that foster fish habitat, wildlife habitat, water quality, and water quantity. Assessments save energy, reduce costs for seafood processing industry Oregon’s seafood processing industry faces rising energy costs, competitive markets, stiffening environmental regulations, and increasing waste disposal and treatment costs. In 2000, Extension Sea Grant led a university program, staffed by engineering students, to assess the efficiency of seafood-processing plants and make recommendations to improve efficiency and lower operating costs. The plants participating in the assessments are now realizing significant savings, which are projected to total $1,112,000 annually. |