The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) has issued an all hands call for students with an interest in fisheries and aquaculture to apply for its 2013 Stew Tweed Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarships. The scholarship program awards two scholarships annually to a graduating high school senior ($1,500) and an undergraduate/graduate student ($2,000) pursuing studies or an outstanding research or technology project focusing on fisheries or aquaculture.

Established in 2007 and named in honor of Stew Tweed, a former 27-year veteran of the organization’s marine advisory program, the scholarships have quickly become a reliable resource for students who plan to continue their studies in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. Scholarship selection committee members are looking forward to receiving strong applications that demonstrate the best of what New Jersey has to offer and exemplify Tweed’s passion for applying the results of science-based research into outreach activities to related groups.

The Consortium, which announced scholarship award increases in early October, is promoting the program heavily to encourage New Jersey’s best and brightest students to apply. “Superstorm Sandy really highlighted the importance of New Jersey’s coastal economy,” said NJSGC Director of Communications Kim Kosko, “and we want to support students who are willing to dedicate themselves to the science of fisheries and aquaculture, and apply that knowledge to ensuring the sustainability of the state’s seafood supply.”

Students interested in applying for the scholarship can find application materials on the scholarship website at StewTweed.org and are encouraged to follow NJSGC on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates and information leading up to the March 29 due date.

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment. NJSGC meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs. For more information, visit NJSGC on the web at njseagrant.org or on social media at facebook.com/NJSeaGrant and twitter.com/NJSeaGrant.