COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas Sea Grant College Program is asking Texans to help it chart its course in the areas of coastal and marine research, outreach and education by participating in an online survey. As a “thank you,” five people who complete the survey will be chosen at random to win $100 gift cards.

The program that bills itself as “Science at Work for Texans” is currently developing its strategic plan for 2014-2017. Texas Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources. To achieve this mission, Texas Sea Grant develops and supports research, education and outreach programs and partnerships, and relies on the public for knowledge, advice and guidance.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and gauges participants’ interest in issues concerning coastal community growth and development, jobs and the economy, coastal and marine education, and coastal health, safety and beauty. Individuals interested in voicing their opinions can find a link to the survey on Texas Sea Grant’s homepage, www://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu. All responses are anonymous.

Based on the Land Grant concept, Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas, universities across the state and marine-related industries to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. Based at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center in the College of Geosciences. It is also one of 32 university-based Sea Grant Programs around the country that are part of the National Sea Grant Network. The National Sea Grant Program is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Follow our link http://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu/ and click on the blue post-it note that says “Take the 2012 Texas Sea Grant Strategic Planning Survey”