Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Table of Contents

Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Table of Contents

Preamble ...... 2

Delaware and Its Marine Environment ...... 3

The Issues ...... 5 Delaware Sea Grant Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values ...... 8 Delaware Sea Grant Strategic Planning: A Dynamic Process ...... 10 How Delaware Sea Grant Aligns with the National Plan ...... 12 Effectively Integrating and Assessing Program Components ...... 15

Summary ...... 15

Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan ...... 16

Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Our Goal is to ensure that society benefits from the sea—today and in the future.

1 Preamble our efforts in concert with those of others along our country’s coasts to help achieve goals that are important not only to Delaware, but also to the nation . This plan Those of us who live along the coast look to it for takes note of the multiple challenges that face the sustenance, economic value, and recreation . It is coastal environment, including population growth, important for us to recognize that these uses are not climate change, development, balancing access to mutually exclusive; the environment and the economy multi-use resources, and hazard resilience . are linked . Maintaining and supporting healthy coastal ecosystems and the ecological services they provide Delaware Sea Grant works with partners in the ultimately results in greater economic benefit for our state, region, and nation to adapt to and mitigate the communities . Ensuring that coastal development effects of these challenges by developing the next proceeds in a sustainable way reduces the impact of generation of technologies that allow us to better coastal hazards and means that we benefit now and monitor our waterways, understand vital habitats for in the future from that growth . valuable aquatic species, keep our communities safe from coastal hazards, and ensure that vital ecosystem In this strategic plan, the Delaware Sea Grant College services are preserved . We are also helping to lead Program renews its commitment to providing sound our nation toward carbon-free energy independence scientific information and policy analysis on issues through innovative work with marine renewable related to our coast and our coastal economies . We energy resources . We are doing this in cooperation work to translate our science into applications that have with government leaders, businesses, educators, positive impacts for our fellow citizens . The information environmental organizations, and concerned citizens we provide about our coastal environment helps people on a state, regional, and national scale . Our goal is to make or save money, protects lives, assists with decision ensure that society benefits from the sea—today and making, and enhances public literacy . in the future . Our Delaware Strategic Plan is aligned with the National Sea Grant Strategic Plan . In addition to addressing needs relevant to the citizens of Delaware, we contribute to the national capacity, mobilizing

2 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Delaware and Its and while trends in water quality indicate improving conditions, many species of fish continue to exceed Marine Environment contaminant thresholds for consumption . The waters flowing between Burlington, N .J ., and Wilmington, Overview and Context Del ., have the highest concentrations of nitrogen Delaware is strategically located on of any major estuary in the the East Coast, halfway between New United States . Approximately York City and Washington, D .C . 50 percent of the inorganic Approximately 15 percent of the nitrogen and 80 percent of the nation’s population lives within a 200- phosphate entering the estuary mile radius of Delaware’s world-class result from human activity . Atlantic coast beaches . With only three More than 200 species of counties and a land area of 1,982 square fish have been identified in miles, Delaware is the second smallest the estuary, including 31 state in the nation, yet only seven U .S . commercial species . The states are more densely populated . American oyster and the The state’s current population density blue crab historically have is 461 people per square mile (based on 2010 census been among the estuary’s most commercially valuable estimates), and like many other coastal states, Delaware species . While the oyster population has seen sharp continues to experience growing population pressure . declines, recent efforts to restore and build the The state anticipates continued growth of 22 percent Delaware Bay oyster populations are showing over the next 30 years . promise . Blue crab populations have remained viable . Delaware is a marine-oriented state, with no part more Recreational fishing in the estuary is popular and than eight miles from tidal waters . It has a rich coastal has a higher economic impact in the region than environment with 381 miles of tidal shoreline, including the commercial fishing industry . 24 miles of ocean coastline and about 90,000 acres of The Delaware Estuary also harbors the world’s largest tidal wetlands . Two major estuaries—the Delaware population of horseshoe crabs . The animal’s blood Estuary and the Inland Bays—have been designated is used by the pharmaceutical industry to test drugs National Estuary Programs . The Chesapeake and and prosthetic devices for bacteria associated with Delaware Canal, which connects Chesapeake Bay with human diseases such as spinal meningitis . The annual Delaware Bay, is an important asset to the nation’s spring spawning of the horseshoe crab is a spectacle commerce, carrying not only recreational boaters, but for bird watchers who travel to the bay shore to see also commercial vessels navigating between the busy hundreds of thousands of red knots, ruddy turnstones, ports of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, Del . semipalmated sandpipers, and other migratory birds Extending 134 miles from its mouth to the falls at feasting on horseshoe crab eggs . The Delaware Estuary Trenton, N .J ., the Delaware Estuary is one of the is internationally recognized for its importance as a largest estuaries on the Atlantic coast . Its drainage stopover for migrating shorebirds . basin includes portions of Pennsylvania, New York, Two recent studies shed light on the contribution of New Jersey, and Delaware and measures 13,500 square coastal systems to the economy of Delaware and the miles . The watershed contains the population centers region . A report completed in 2011 for the Partnership of Philadelphia, Trenton and Camden, N .J ., and for the Delaware Estuary reviewed the economic Wilmington, Del . In total, it includes 22 counties, 500 contributions of the Delaware Estuary as a whole to the municipalities, and an estimated 8 .2 million people . The region . More recently, Delaware Sea Grant funded a Delaware Estuary receives heavy inputs of nutrients, 3 study, published in 2012, that determined the economic Little Assawoman Bay—that were awarded National contributions of the coastal ocean economy to the Estuary status by the Environmental Protection state of Delaware . When the two studies are reviewed Agency (EPA) in 1995 . These are “crown jewels” of a collectively, a picture of the importance of our ocean beach recreation industry valued at more than $665 and bay economies emerges, and the importance of million per year . The bays have a drainage area of about maintaining the integrity of our natural assets becomes 300 square miles; Sussex County encompasses the clear . In Delaware alone, the coastal systems contribute watershed and reports an average population density more than 100,000 jobs and generate 3 and 4 percent, of 210 people per square mile . The Inland Bays are respectively, of the federal and state taxes collected . suffering from nutrient overload (eutrophication) In addition, the Delaware Estuary contributes an that causes unwanted phytoplankton blooms and a additional $2 .5 billion in annual ecosystem services to resultant decline in oxygen and light penetration . the state, including water quality maintenance, health Major sources of nutrients include land runoff from benefits, and carbon storage . Delaware’s Atlantic coast intensive agribusiness operations, intrusion of nutrient- contributes $6 .9 billion in total industry production contaminated groundwater from agricultural and from direct, indirect, and induced economic activity domestic sources, sewage treatment effluents, and related to the shore . intense residential and commercial development . Changes in environmental quality have led to the The Delaware Estuary is also a major transportation eradication of submerged aquatic vegetation (sea corridor and home of the world’s largest freshwater grasses) and declines in desirable finfish and shellfish . port complex . Currently, ports along the Delaware Major harmful algal bloom-forming species have been River and its tributaries handle in excess of 120 million identified in the bays . Coordinated efforts to restore the tons of imports and 75 million tons of exports with a ecosystem have begun to reverse the trends in ecosystem total combined value of $41 billion annually . Economic impairment, including across-the-board reductions of contribution to the region is estimated at $2 .4 billion, nutrients entering the bays from all sources . and oil tankers account for approximately 65 percent of the imports to the upper Delaware River . The Delaware River ports are critically important in the forest product sector and the largest site of cocoa bean imports to the United States . Deepening of the channel serving Philadelphia and New Jersey is underway, and completion is anticipated to coincide with the completed deepening of the Panama Canal in 2015 . Delaware’s Ports on the channel expect to see increased large Inland Bays (“New Panamax”) vessel traffic, including ships from Asia that previously served only the U .S . West Coast . Delaware’s Port of Wilmington is ranked first in North America for imports of fresh fruit, bananas, and juice concentrate and has the largest dockside cold storage facility in the nation . It is a full-service, deep-water port and marine terminal handling more than 400 vessels per year with an annual import/export cargo tonnage of 5 million tons .

Delaware’s Inland Bays include three interconnected water bodies—Indian River Bay, Rehoboth Bay, and

4 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) The Issues longshore currents, and sea-level rise on sediment transport resulting in short- and long-term shoreline Population Growth change . Climate change will further exacerbate these impacts on coastal communities . The state of Delaware continues in a period of unprecedented population growth and development, Delaware, like many other coastal states, must deal with especially along its coastal zone and associated the problem of eroding beaches . As the need for beach watersheds . Population growth in the already saturated nourishment increases each year and the cost of keeping coastal area grew by more than 50 percent between sand in front of coastal communities rises, the ability to 1990 and 2000 and the rates of growth are still high . build beaches to last as long as possible and best serve While the Delaware Estuary watershed population those who pay for it becomes increasingly imperative . increased by 5 .1 percent between 2000 and 2010, in two of Delaware’s three counties population increased Sustainable by 24 percent—the highest rates in the watershed . Development Because of its proximity to four major metropolitan In addition to physical areas (Washington, D .C ., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and changes along the New York City), eastern Sussex County, which borders shoreline and increased on the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Inland Bays, potential for storm has transitioned into a major Mid-Atlantic tourism and hazards, a growing retirement destination . population has caused Hazard Resilience congested highways and greater impacts on the state’s natural resources . The rapid development and Coastal communities need sustainable development urbanization of the coastal policies . Insightful planning requires awareness of a zone has resulted in an community’s natural capital and a commitment to explosion in the number of sustainability . Many small towns and communities residents, visitors, homes, throughout Sussex County, in particular, do not have and infrastructure exposed professional, experienced land-use planners on their to coastal processes, staffs to meet the challenges presented to them as the beach erosion, and storm county experiences severe growing pains . Although hazards . Delaware coastal communities are at risk from state law requires local communities and the county a variety of natural hazards such as winds, waves, and to develop comprehensive land-use plans that address floods generated by coastal storms . Additional threats sprawl, balance growth, and protect the environment, to coastal development result from the dynamic nature results have been slow to materialize . of the land/sea interface—the constant impact of waves, 5 Preserving open space and conserving agricultural $2 .1 billion to the state’s economy . The majority of land is also becoming a major concern . Places we this tourism occurs in Sussex County, but significant assumed were open space—working farms, coastal activity occurs in smaller communities adjacent to areas with panoramic vistas of our bays and coastline, Delaware Bay, which supports thousands of full-time quiet country roads—are being converted to residential and seasonal jobs . Across Delaware, nearly 58,000 developments, retail outlets, schools, and workplaces . boats were registered in 2011 . The $269 million annual As growth continues, protecting water quality and contribution to the Delaware economy from recreation preserving natural resources in the coastal region has such as birding, hunting, and fishing in the estuary is become increasingly difficult . directly dependent upon ecosystem health . Healthy Coastal Ports and harbors infrastructure and their operation Ecosystems are also critical to the vitality of our region and to our quality of life . More than 3,500 commercial vessels State resource managers transit the state’s waters annually, most of them en are faced with an array of route to the nearby Pennsylvania/New Jersey petroleum environmental problems refineries . With deepening of the river channel to and issues related to point accommodate Panamax ships, commercial traffic— and nonpoint source along with vessel size—is expected to increase . pollution from municipal, industrial, and agricultural Delaware’s coastal waters are rich in fish and shellfish sources . Current issues of concern include rising harvested for their recreational and commercial value, sea level, reduced water quality, anoxia and hypoxia, although the commercial fishing sector in Delaware is macroalgal and toxic microalgal blooms, declining relatively small by comparison to other neighboring fishery stocks, habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and states in the Mid-Atlantic region . For example, non-native species introductions . These environmental across Delaware Bay, Cape May, N .J ., is the second- problems and trends pose a serious long-term threat largest commercial fishing port on the East Coast . to Delaware’s coastal ecosystems and, if left unchecked, The National Marine Fisheries Service reports total will impact public health, economic stability, and Delaware commercial landings for 2011 [including overall quality of life in Delaware’s coastal communities . blue crabs, oysters, hard clams, eels, conchs (whelks), and different species of finfish including sea trout and Balancing summer flounder] at $7 .1 million . The blue crab is the Public Access state’s most valuable commercial fishery with a dockside to Multi-Use value of nearly $5 .5 million reported in 2007 . Increasing Resources harvest pressure, stock reductions, pathogens, disease, and the impacts of eutrophication and sedimentation Like many coastal on habitat loss and recruitment are major communities across factors affecting sustainability of the the nation, Delaware state’s fisheries resources . resource managers seek to balance stakeholder access to multi-use resources . This means managing conflicting goals to ensure sustainable environmental and economic benefit . Coastal tourism is an economic force in the state; approximately 5 .6 million people visit Delaware for recreation and vacation, contributing

6 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Safe and Sustainable Seafood

Seafood consumption in the United States declined slightly since 2007 to 15 .8 pounds per person per year in 2010 . Public Education Despite the small drop Because of the ever present and increasing challenges in consumption, Americans are spending more on described above, a well-informed, engaged public seafood, for a total of $80 .2 billion in the same year . is crucial for ensuring that public policies promote In Delaware, most seafood products are sold through economic growth while protecting environmental restaurants and local retail and wholesale outlets . resources . Without good, accurate information based Out-of-state wholesalers buy directly from Delaware on solid scientific theory and reinforced with data, state, anglers . To meet demand, Delaware seafood businesses local, and federal officials will find it difficult to plan buy from out-of-state markets, which include products wisely for our future . Communication of our knowledge from other countries . of, research in, and need for the protection of coastal ecosystems is important . A well-informed public can consider all the pressures our coastal systems are facing . A well-informed public can consider all the pressures our coastal systems are facing.

7 Delaware Sea Grant Mission and Goals Vision, Mission, Goals, Delaware Sea Grant’s mission is to advance the understanding, development, use, and conservation of and Values state and regional marine and coastal resources through an integrated program of excellence in research, Vision education, and outreach built upon active partnerships Delaware Sea Grant, housed within the College of with state and federal agencies, the private sector, and Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of citizens at large . Our specific goals are to: Delaware, is uniquely positioned to provide a forum Provide academic and educational leadership to where science-based information about coastal address issues and problems facing coastal communities resources and processes can be shared and exchanged throughout the state, region, and nation . with stakeholders to enhance decision making that will

help to realize the full economic potential of our coastal Create strategic partnerships that help build and sustain programmatic initiatives that solve problems resources while sustaining environmental integrity . As and produce lasting impacts . a federal, state, and academic partnership that is part of a national network of Sea Grant Colleges, Delaware Sea Identify and address emerging coastal issues with Grant can leverage the expertise and assets of partners accurate, timely, and science-based information for industry, government officials, educators, and who are focused on the wise use and management the public . of U .S . marine and coastal resources, leading to a sustainable economy and environment . Maintain the highest quality marine research, outreach, and education programs within the state of Delaware to engage and inform coastal constituents . Core Values Every Delaware Sea Grant activity must satisfy three major criteria: (1) be based on a strong rationale; (2) demonstrate scientific merit as determined by national experts in the field; (3) produce application‐oriented results that are clearly useful in industry, management, education, and/or science . Core values underpinning these criteria include:

Excellence —All projects are funded on a competitive basis after undergoing external merit evaluation . Outreach programs are encouraged to connect with ongoing research, and public education efforts must use the most effective technologies to achieve maximum output and distribution of science‐based information .

Relevance —A strong, involved advisory process is used to define research priorities, support outreach and education programs, and measure programmatic impact . It also is used to build public and private support for Delaware Sea Grant .

8 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Integrity —The conduct of honest, unbiased research, Accountability —Performance-based evaluations from outreach, and education; clear statement of all both internal and external perspectives are used findings; and provision of fact‐based, forthright to measure achievements . These include tracking conclusions are central to the neutral, “honest broker” of scholarly publication output and graduation of role of a university . Declarations of any potential sponsored students, documenting the contributions conflict-of-interest situations are expected to be made to society of scientific discoveries, measuring prior to the initiation of all projects . behavioral change of the public upon receipt of educational programs, and determining the economic Teamwork—High value is placed on involving and social impact resulting from research and institutions and organizations beyond the University technology transfer . of Delaware . Diversity within the human resource talent pool—faculty, graduate students, and other collaborators—is critical . Faculty, students, and citizens all benefit from the team approach in addressing challenging issues . Delaware Sea Grant can leverage the expertise and assets of partners who are focused on the wise use and management of U.S. marine and coastal resources, leading to a sustainable economy and environment.

9 Delaware Sea Grant Grant Advisory Council (SGAC), communication with the governor and members of the General Strategic Planning: Assembly, and citizen surveys in our Sea Grant A Dynamic Process annual report, on our web sites, at workshops and public lectures, and at Coast Day, our annual event Involving constituencies—both internal and external that attracts approximately 10,000 visitors to learn to Delaware Sea Grant—has been a longstanding about the coastal environment . and integral component of developing our strategic For this strategic plan, the first levels of external plan . Specific objectives are updated and revised guidance have come from NOAA and the National with each call for proposals . Thus, strategic planning Sea Grant College Program through their strategic for Delaware Sea Grant is structured to be a plans . For regional and state research, education, dynamic process . and outreach priorities, the Delaware Sea Grant From the very first Delaware Sea Grant initiatives Management Team sought information from decades ago, stakeholders from the broad marine our recent citizen surveys, from a Mid-Atlantic community of organizations and individuals in Regional Ocean Research Plan, and from the Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region have been SGAC, whose members come from regional and asked for their advice on high-priority ocean and state marine-oriented businesses and industries, coastal issues that need attention . That practice resource management and engineering firms, state continues today . Numerous forums contribute to government agencies, public interest groups, the pre- the programmatic definition of Delaware Sea Grant . college educational sector, and the media (Table 1) . They include regular meetings with the Delaware Sea Working within the context of the national priorities,

Table 1. Delaware Sea Grant Advisory Council (SGAC), January 2013.

Delaware General Jeanie Harper Stuart Widom John Schneider Academia, Education Assembly Treasurer Manager of Program Manager (Formal and Informal) Dawson’s Seafood Inc. Governmental and Delaware Department Ruth Briggs-King Tonyea Mead Regulatory Affairs of Natural Resources and House of Education Associate, A. Richard Heffron Calpine Corporation Environmental Control Representatives Interim President Science Delaware State Delaware Department V. George Carey Resource Non-Governmental Chamber of Commerce of Education Former member, House Management Organizations Agencies of Representatives Ann K. Masse Jennifer Adkins Halsey Spruance Manager Sarah Cooksey Executive Director Executive Director David B. McBride DuPont Chamber Works Administrator Partnership for the Delaware Museum Senate Delaware Department Delaware Estuary of Natural History Gary B. Patterson Peter C. Schwartzkopf of Natural Resources and Executive Director Chris Bason Katherine Ward House of Environmental Control Delaware Petroleum Executive Director Board Member Representatives Council Thomas J. Fikslin Delaware Center for Delaware Press F. Gary Simpson Manager the Inland Bays Association Betsy Reamer Senate Delaware River Executive Director Basin Commission Lorraine Fleming Private Citizens Lewes Chamber of Board Member Business/Industry William J. Miller, Jr. Commerce and Visitors Christopher Moore Delaware Nature Gene R. Bailey Past Director Bureau Executive Director Society Inc. Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Fishery Delaware River and Diamond State Port Paul Sample Management Council Local, State, Bay Authority Corporation Consultant and County (Chair Emeritus, Samples Inc. Dave Saveikis Government Delaware SGAC) Gerard Esposito Director, Division of Fish President Edward M. Simek and Wildlife James L. Ford, III Tidewater Utilities Inc. Principal Delaware Department Mayor (Chair, Delaware SGAC) Environmental Resources of Natural Resources and City of Lewes Management Inc. Environmental Control

10 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) the SGAC has helped us to define and Figure 1. Primary areas of interest identified during Delaware Sea Grant strategic planning workshop update the priority issues of relevance (March 14, 2012) and via an online survey for the public, to the state and region . Its members organized by 2009–2013 DESG Focus Areas. have discussed the current strategic planning effort twice to examine the alignment of Delaware Sea Grant goals with the needs of its stakeholders . In addition, many members of the SGAC attended a roundtable workshop in the spring of 2012 to identify areas of Resilient Communities and Economies interest common to both the National Healthy Coastal Ecosystems Sea Grant Office and the Delaware Sea Balance development and conservation of coastal Water quality monitoring Grant program . The 2009–2013 DESG and marine resources and data analysis to support strategic plan was revisited with data resource management Partner with the business community to support collected from a publicly distributed High-quality research and innovative/sustainable outreach to benefit healthy survey (Figure 1) . This plan reflects input practices coastal ecosystems gathered through the online survey, Climate change and Habitat protection— discussions at our stakeholder and SGAC sea-level rise adaptation especially coastal marsh workshops, and continued discussions and wetland communities Resiliency planning with with members of the SGAC . coastal communities Renewable energy development and related Involving constituencies marine spatial planning efforts has been a longstanding and integral component Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture of developing our Sustainable seafood supplies through strategic plan. local aquaculture and commercial harvesting Environmental Literacy and Workforce Economics of Delaware’s Development seafood industry Consumer knowledge Facilitate public and and perceptions of fish- student understanding based diets of science statewide Research and outreach Partner with Delaware to support the control of Department of Education invasive species in Delaware to support strong K–12 science education Improve public recognition and understanding of the interdependence of society and nature Serve as advisors for science education, communication, and translation

11 How Delaware Sea Grant Aligns with the National Plan Realigning our Delaware Sea Grant Strategic Priorities

The 2009–2013 Delaware Sea Grant strategic plan clustered Delaware’s coastal issues into four research Healthy Coastal Ecosystems priority areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Science and policy research and outreach in support Coastal Development, Hazard Resilience in Coastal of ecosystem sustainability. Emphasis is on ecosystem Communities, and Safe and Sustainable Seafood Supply . processes and relationships between coastal stressors There was also one crosscutting theme: Ocean and and long-term human and ecosystem health and on Environmental Literacy . For the 2014–2017 strategic programs that provide lifelong opportunities to enhance plan we still have four focus areas but have modified understanding and promote stewardship. Specific areas of interest to Delaware Sea Grant include: them by combining sustainable coastal development and hazard resilience, which shared many of the Improving ecosystem services by enhancing health, same goals, into a single focus area that aligns with diversity and abundance of fish, wildlife and plants. the national theme of Resilient Communities and Develop and calibrate new standards, measures, and indicators of ecosystem sustainability including: Economies . Safe and Sustainable Seafood Supply is broadened to encompass the national theme of Regional coastal observation systems that will advance our capability to make predictions about Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture . Ocean and human impacts and environmental changes on Environmental Literacy is more clearly identified and coastal resources. broadened to highlight its importance as Environmental New technologies, methods, and policies to address water quality degradation. Literacy and Workforce Development . The revised focus Identify knowledge gaps that impede progress toward areas meet our Delaware stakeholder needs and fully achieving sustainability of ecosystems and the goods align to the national plan . They also further emphasize and services they provide. that the issues facing Delaware’s coasts today are much the same as they are for the nation’s coasts .

12 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Supporting ecosystem-based approaches to manage for best practices to foster sustainable economic land, water and living resources. development in coastal communities. Research in support of baseline data to assess health Innovative research (science/engineering/policy) that of ecosystems and watersheds. quantifies and translates opportunities for coastal ocean renewable energy technologies and promotes Develop models and training that inform ecosystem- sustainable land-use practices. based planning and management approaches. Facilitating community use of comprehensive planning Engage resource managers, policy and decision tools to make informed strategic decisions. makers in using standards and indicators to support ecosystem-based management. Research and outreach activities that help coastal communities address issues related to natural resource Outreach efforts that enhance lifelong learning planning from a multi-user perspective. to promote ecosystem stewardship and informed decision making. Partnerships to develop education and literacy programs focused on the impacts of climate-related Restoring, protecting, and enhancing ecosystems and changes on coastal communities. their habitats. Supporting improvements in coastal water resources Develop technologies and approaches to monitor and that sustain human health and ecosystem services. restore degraded ecosystems. Monitoring, research, and outreach activities to The broad outcomes of the above efforts will ensure that support continued management efforts to improve we maximize the range of ecological, economic, and coastal ecosystem health. societal services available to Delaware’s citizens and that Helping to establish resilient coastal communities that these services are more resilient to change. can adapt to the impacts of hazards and climate change. To achieve that end, this also requires Research aimed at improving the forecasting of that resource managers have coastal hazards (e.g., storm flooding and inundation, science-based information sea‐level rise) for decision makers and the coastal communities they serve. available during their decision processes. Ultimately, this Programs that help decision makers adopt policies leads to greater public that will reduce risks, manage catastrophic events, and speed recovery. stewardship of our multi-use coastal resources. Developing and/or making accessible state/regional databases that support hazard-related planning.

Resilient Communities and Economies Delaware Sea Grant’s efforts will support and encourage vibrant and resilient coastal communities through research, Research and outreach that provide extension, and education efforts that improve coastal information and techniques that enhance waterfront-related community recognition of environmental and economic economic activities. This includes engagement of Delaware’s sustainability. coastal communities in planning processes that support the efforts of community leaders to identify and pursue sustainable economic development and recognition of the Sustainable Fisheries need to balance the multiple uses of these resources. In and Aquaculture addition, DESG will undertake science and policy research Research and outreach and outreach that provide an informed basis for assessing that catalyze new product the risks associated with living and working in coastal innovations to keep the communities. This includes the development of strategies domestic seafood industry to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Specific areas of financially competitive and interest to Delaware Sea Grant include: environmentally responsible. Development of protocols and Developing vibrant and resilient coastal economies. training for innovative food safety procedures that reduce Research and outreach activities that provide local risk and enhance consumer knowledge about seafood. communities with information and techniques to enhance waterfront-related economic activities— Specific areas of interest to Delaware Sea Grant include: tourism activities in particular—in a sustainable way. Working to establish a safe, secure, and sustainable Partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and supply of seafood to meet public demand. others to enhance the development of and support 13 Research, development, and transfer of new technologies to enhance the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of the domestic seafood industry. Outreach activities that help develop and support a viable and sustainable domestic aquaculture industry. Working to inform consumers about the health benefits of seafood consumption and teach them how to evaluate the safety and sustainability of the seafood they buy. Environmental Literacy Applied research that facilitates the development of new products and innovative educational approaches and Workforce Development to increase seafood availability and consumption by the public. The complexity of high-priority marine issues calls for an Development of partnerships that enhance educated public that can understand the link between training within the industry related to seafood science and society and the need for an integrated approach safety best practices. between science and policy. Specific areas of interest to Work with partners to develop educational programs Delaware Sea Grant include: that inform consumers about the benefits of seafood consumption, safe seafood handling practices, and An environmentally literate public supported and the importance of sustainable harvesting practices informed by a continuum of lifelong formal and informal to the health of the domestic fisheries. engagement opportunities. The broad outcomes of Delaware Sea Grant efforts in Build and sustain outreach capacity to use science- this focus area are to ensure contributions to innovative based information in the following areas: technologies around seafood handling Recreation and tourism and to enhance consumer K–12 education knowledge about safe and Watershed management and coastal sustainable seafood. ecosystems health Coastal processes and climate adaptation Safe and sustainable seafood practices Sustainable coastal communities Fisheries and aquaculture Partnerships with federal, state, and industry partners that leverage information and funding. An education and communications component that contributes to a well-informed public. This involves: Partnerships that support programs and training opportunities for educators involved in formal (K–12) and informal (museums, aquaria, nature centers, etc.) education. Development of products/programs that take advantage of current and emerging technologies that can be used by formal and informal educators. Developing a future workforce reflecting the culture of Sea Grant with individuals skilled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and active stewardship programs. A robust connection to graduate education/training.

Delaware Sea Grant will continue to support a variety of outreach and education efforts to ensure increased public knowledge of our unique coastal environment, understanding of individuals’ roles in its protection, and recognition of the importance of their participation in dialogues to plan for a sustainable future. 14 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) Delaware Sea Grant Assessment Standards Effectively Integrating for Societal Impact and Benefit and Assessing Program Interactions and partnerships with appropriate user groups and translation of science findings into Components practical applications or management strategies . This strategic plan includes an implementation Adoption by appropriate end users of predictive plan that is designed to maximize impact . The goal modeling tools and new environmental technologies such as sensors and probes . is to formally identify how the components of the Delaware Sea Grant Strategic Plan are to be integrated Funding of research project scale-up into and executed within the context of the National Sea demonstration or pilot-scale operations . Grant priorities . The implementation plan articulates Licensing of patents . expected Delaware Sea Grant outcomes and measurable Documentation of generation of economic benefit; objectives . Then, the performance measures and targets that is, new wealth or cost avoidance by end users . define how we evaluate and measure program success . Legislation, new management strategies, and Outreach and education are integral components of regulations based on research findings . the implementation plan . The formal and informal Independent recognition (awards) for effective reporting of the results to program, state, and national outreach, education, and communication practices . decision makers is key to the process . Assessment criteria include those that are standard for university- based research excellence and—because Sea Grant Summary research is programmatic and application-oriented—it also includes evidence of societal benefits in the form of Delaware Sea Grant’s 2014–2017 Strategic Plan external collaborations, technology transfer, and other renews our commitment to providing sound scientific impacts as follows: information and policy analysis to address issues related to our coast and coastal economies . Our goals pursue Delaware Sea Grant Assessment Standards answers to short- and long-term challenges that face for Research Excellence the citizens, agencies, and officials of Delaware and the

Quality of research publications as evidenced by the surrounding region, while our Implementation Plan selected journals’ impact factor and, over time, by the (below) provides detailed outcomes and targets for number of times the article are cited . tracking our progress and measuring results . Delaware Quantity of research publications in refereed journals Sea Grant is ready to continue our work to provide and/or patent applications . “science serving the Delaware coast ”. External support from other competitive funding sources for additional research projects related to the Delaware Sea Grant-sponsored research . Awards and prizes resulting from Delaware Sea Grant-sponsored research . Invited lectures, presentations, and program reviews at other institutions or conferences . Involvement of distinguished faculty in Delaware Sea Grant research . Timely progress and degree completion by students associated with Delaware Sea Grant research . Career placement of Delaware Sea Grant-supported students . 15 16

Delaware Sea Strategic Grant: (2014–2017) Plan Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Healthy Coastal Ecosystems National Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures Ecosystem services Learning Outcomes 1. Understanding of the 1. Community 1. 3 New tools, 1. Coastal water quality (1) Number of Sea Grant tools, are improved by 1. Develop and calibrate impact of changing planners benefit technologies, identified most frequently technologies and information enhanced health, new standards, measures land use on water from using tools information by strategic planning services that are used by our diversity and and indicators of quality is improved developed by services survey respondents as an partners/customers to improve ecosystem sustainability. through the use of new DESG to help issue important to them; ecosystem‐based management. abundance of fish, tools, technology and manage water adapted from the Mid- wildlife and plants. 2. Identify critical Total DESG Targets for information services. quality impacts in Atlantic Regional Ocean Performance Measure: 8 uncertainties that local communities. Research Plan priority item impede progress toward (National for water quality/ecosystem (2) Number of ecosystem‐based achieving sustainability Outcomes: research. approaches used to manage of ecosystems and the Action 1) land, water and living resources goods and services they in coastal areas as a result of Sea provide. Grant activities. Action Outcomes Total DESG Targets for 1. Resource managers, 2. Regional ecosystem 2. Data obtained 2. 2 ocean 2. Continue DESG leadership Performance Measure: 5 policy and decision mak- sustainability is through regional observing in development and (3) Number of acres of coastal habitat ers use standards and improved through data ocean observing systems application of observing protected, enhanced or restored indicators to support developed by DESG systems by DESG systems to support as a result of Sea Grant activities. researchers. researchers assist resource management; ecosystem‐based Total DESG Targets for management. in improving research proposals will be ecosystem solicited in the 2 two-year Performance Measure: 0 Consequence Outcomes sustainability. RFP cycles, reviewed for 1. Dynamic ecological (National applicability, and funding systems provide a wide Outcomes: will be competitively range of ecological, Learning 2) awarded. economic and societal services and are more resilient to change.

2. Greater public 3. Innovative 3. Data provided 3. 3 sets of 3. Alternatives for coastline stewardship leads to technologies lead to by DESG provides data utilized management were participatory decision improved assessments resource managers by resource identified in stakeholder making and collaborative of sediment transport, with a better managers surveys as a primary ecosystem based long-term coastal understanding concern; DESG seeks to management decisions. morphology, beach of physical provide fundamental nourishment options processes relative research that will and sea level rise. to sea level rise. inform active efforts (National by state resource Outcomes: managers to respond Learning 2) to and plan for accelerated sea level rise. Healthy Coastal Ecosystems National DESG Performance National Goals National Outcomes Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures Ecosystem- Learning Outcomes 1. A network of trained 1a. Communities are 1a. Maintain current fre- 1a. Prior DESG support has citizen scientists based 1. Stakeholders have access to data, aware of the impact quency of ocean bacte- led to top NRDC rating of increases the approaches are models, policy information and of human activities on ria sampling and HAB two state beaches for two capacity of coastal used to manage training that support ecosystem water quality/supply. monitoring (maintain consecutive years. DE monitoring based planning, decision‐making (National Outcomes: NRDC 5-Star criteria for land, water and efforts. Learning 3) ocean beaches) living resources. and management approaches. 2. Baseline data, standards, 1b. Resource managers 1b. Maintain network of methodologies and indicators are use citizen science 40 citizen scientists developed to assess the health of data to support and sites in DE coastal ecosystems and watersheds. ecosystem-based watersheds management. 3. Residents, resource managers, (National Outcomes: businesses and industries Action 2) understand the effects of human 1c. Public health and 1c. 2 meetings with activities and environmental resource management citizen scientists and changes on coastal resources. decision making resource managers for 4. Resource managers have an improves because of data exchange and understanding of the policies that DESG collaboration. discussion apply to coastal protected species. (National Outcomes: Action Outcomes Action 1) 1. Methodologies are used to 1d. Citizen scientists 1d. 2 public presentations evaluate a range of practical understand the by citizen scientists ecosystem‐based management complexities of approaches for planning and coastal environments adapt to future management and the interactions needs. between human use and coastal ecosystem 2. Resource managers apply health. (National ecosystem‐based management Outcomes: Learning 3) principles when making decisions. 2. Development of 2. Resource managers 2. 10 resource managers 2. Continue to seek proposals 3. Resource managers incorporate new research benefit from new or volunteers trained to improve the efficiency, laws and policies to facilitate and tools and practices research tools and with new tools or effectiveness and availability implement ecosystem‐based to improve water practices developed practices of water quality monitoring; management. quality monitoring by DESG. (National water quality consistently 4. Residents, resource managers efforts is supported. Outcomes: Learning 2) identified in stakeholder and businesses integrate social, and regional planning natural and physical science when efforts as a primary concern. managing resources and work 3. Stakeholders are 3. Stakeholders use 3. 10 stakeholders 3. DESG will extend research with all sectors in the decision‐ provided with data data provided by (prior and new) to provide making process. to support long- DESG researchers to data on physical coastal Consequence Outcomes term coastline understand impacts of processes in support of management sea level rise. (National community discussions for 1. Land, water and living resources and sea level rise Outcomes: Learning mitigation and adaptation are managed using ecosystem‐ mitigation efforts. 1, 3) initiatives. based approaches. 17 18

3. Scientists develop technologies and 2. Low Impact 2a. Communities are aware 2. 3 LID projects approaches to restore degraded Development (LID) of the impact of human in coastal ecosystems. techniques in coastal activities on water quality communities/ Action Outcomes watersheds are and supply. (National year increasingly applied, in Outcomes: Learning 2) 1. Resource managers set realistic and collaboration with local prioritized goals to protect, enhance partners. (See also in and restore habitats by incorporating Resilient Communities 2b. Improve ecosystem scientific information and public and Economies) input. service functions in coastal watersheds (National 2. Resource managers, businesses Outcomes: Consequence 2) and residents adopt innovative approaches and technologies to maintain or improve the function 3. Improved knowledge 3. Resource managers and 3. 3 resource 3. Successful oyster of ecosystems. of natural oyster others become aware that managers gardening efforts in Consequence Outcomes recruitment in oyster stocks are reproducing bays, led by DESG, Indian River Bay is naturally in Indian River Bay. have resulted in 1. Habitats are protected, enhanced demonstrated. (National Outcomes: Learning recruitment of oyster or restored. 3, Action 2) populations in recent 2. Degraded ecosystem function and years. productivity are restored.

4. Technical support 4. Delaware Center for the 4. 40 oyster and guidance Inland Bays oyster gardeners gardeners improve aquaculture benefit from enhanced practices and enhance guidance and direction opportunities for new from DESG staff. (National efforts. Outcomes: Learning 1) Resilient Communities and Economies National Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures Development Learning Outcomes 1. Economic growth in coastal 1. Tools and techniques 1. 3 communities (1) Number of of vibrant and 1. Communities communities is stimulated to encourage economic communities that resilient coastal are aware of the through partnerships stimulus in DE coastal implemented economies. interdependence with various agencies and communities are provided. sustainable economic between the health of organizations. (National Outcomes: and environmental the economy and the Learning 1, 2, 3, 4) development practices and health of natural and 2. Leadership is provided 2. Sea Grant programs 2. 10 Sea Grant 2. DESG provided cultural systems. regionally and nationally on nationally create stronger programs leadership in developing policies (e.g. land-use a sustainable coastal tourism network to address coastal a sustainable coastal planning, working 2. Communities waterfronts, energy have access to initiative. tourism opportunities tourism policy white in coastal communities. paper which outlines a efficiency, climate information needed change planning, to understand the (National Outcomes: number of future goals Learning 2) and recommendations. smart growth value of waterfront‐ measures, green and tourism‐related 3. Development of a 3. Coastal communities 3. 3 coastal infrastructure) as a economic activities. “Sustainable Tourism become aware of communities result of Sea Grant 3. Communities Framework” for coastal techniques for developing activities. understand the Delaware through and promoting sustainable Total DESG Targets strengths and collaborations with local tourism activities. (National for Performance weaknesses tourism and business leaders Outcomes: Learning 2) Measure: 31 of alternative is supported. (2) Number of development 4. Development of marketing/ 4. Waterfront communities 4. 2 communities 4. DESG has initiated a communities that scenarios on resource branding strategies have strategies and working waterfronts implemented hazards consumption and to enhance economic techniques for enhancing program as part of the resiliency practices to local economies. development and economic development Sustainable Coastal prepare for, respond 4. Communities employment opportunities efforts. (National Outcomes: Communities Initiative. to or minimize coastal are aware of in waterfront communities is Learning 2; Action 2) hazardous events as regulatory regimes completed. a result of Sea Grant affecting economic activities. sustainability. 5. Development of a “coastal 5. Community leaders and 5. Create 1 5. The economic barometer economic barometer” coastal businesses better web-based tool will be a follow-up Total DESG Targets 5. Communities are to assist community understand economic tool based on findings for Performance knowledgeable about leader and private sector trends and contributions reported in a recent Measure: 16 economic savings business recognition of the of various sectors of local DESG report, “The from energy planning contributions of various coastal economy to improve Contribution of the and conservation. sectors to the coastal decision making. (National Coastal Economy to the Action Outcomes economy is completed. Outcomes: Learning 2) State of Delaware.”

1. Citizens are 6. Improved understanding of 6. Research and technical 6. 2 datasets 6. Adapted from the Mid- actively engaged in environmental conditions, support increase Atlantic Regional Ocean management and environmental data for understanding of important Research Plan’s highest regulatory decisions. living resources and physical environmental parameters priority for offshore environments (mapping, necessary for refining siting energy research. extreme events, climate plans for offshore energy change scenarios) necessary development. (National for offshore energy Outcomes: Learning 1, 2, development is supported. 3, 5)

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Delaware Sea Strategic Grant: (2014–2017) Plan Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Resilient Communities and Economies National Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures Continues from 2. Communities engage in 7. Improved data on current 7. State and regional 7. 3 datasets 7. Continue to develop previous page. economic development and future offshore sectoral organizations are informed or reports DESG research support of Development initiatives that capitalize on needs is provided to support by datasets and reports with regional spatial planning of vibrant and the value of their natural marine spatial planning improved data on competing efforts. resilient coastal and cultural resources efforts through partnerships and anticipated uses of coastal while balancing resource with state and regional waters. (National Outcomes: economies. conservation and economic organizations. Learning 1) growth. Consequence Outcomes 8. Understanding of the 8. Communities understand how 8. 3 communities 8. Adapted from the Mid- 1. Communities have diverse, socioeconomic impacts of offshore energy development Atlantic Regional Ocean healthy economies and offshore energy development can affect them at multiple Research Plan’s highest industries without displacing (including jobs, energy costs, scales—local, regional and priority for offshore traditional working infrastructure needs/impacts) national. (National Outcomes: energy research. waterfronts. is improved. Learning 3, 5, Action 1)

National DESG Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets Comments Measures Communities use Learning Outcomes 1. Sustainable 1. Communities 1. 5 communities 1. DESG has comprehensive 1. Communities understand the connection between development understand the been actively planning to planning and natural resource management issues and plans with coastal importance of engaging make informed make management decisions that minimize conflicts, communities increase planning for a citizens and in recognition and sustainable future. community strategic improve resource conservation efforts and identify potential opportunities. abundance. (National Outcomes: leaders in decisions. Action 1) sustainable Action Outcomes planning 1. Communities make use of tools and information to explore efforts. the different patterns of coastal development, including community visioning exercises, resource inventories and coastal planning. 2. C ommunities adopt coastal plans. 2. Local officials are 2. Tools and techniques 2. 3 coastal 2. DESG and 3. The public, leaders and businesses work together to better able to developed by DESG communities partners implement plans for the future and to balance multiple uses support sustainable assist local officials in have of coastal areas. development community planning developed Consequence Outcomes practices in coastal exercises. (National a GIS-based communities. Outcomes: Learning 1) land-use 1. Quality of life in communities, as measured by economic model for and social well-being, improves without adversely Sussex affecting the environmental conditions. County. Resilient Communities and Economies National DESG Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets Comments Measures Improvements Learning Outcomes 1. Strategies and 1. Communities 1.3 communities in coastal water 1. Communities are aware of the impact of human techniques for adopt low impact resources sustain activities on water quality and supply. improving water quality development (LID) human health in coastal communities strategies to improve 2. Communities understand the value of clean water, are enhanced. (See coastal water quality. and ecosystem adequate supplies and healthy watersheds. also in Healthy Coastal (National Outcomes: services. 3. Communities understand water laws and policies Ecosystems) Learning 1, 2; Action affecting the use and allocation of water resources. 1, 2) Action Outcomes 1. Communities engage in planning efforts to protect 2.Socioeconomic research 2.Socioeconomic 2.4 resource 2.Adapted from water supplies and improve water quality. explores and improves research results provide managers the Mid-Atlantic understanding of the information to resource Regional Ocean 2. Communities adopt mitigation measures, best value of ecosystem managers to assist Research management practices and improved site designs services, including water in decisions related Plan’s highest in local policies and ordinances to address water quality, habitat, human to climate change priority for supplies and water quality. health and mitigation impacts. (National offshore energy Consequence Outcomes of the effects of climate Outcomes: Learning 2) research. 1. Water supplies are protected. change. 2. Water quality improves. 21 22

Delaware Sea Strategic Grant: (2014–2017) Plan Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Resilient Communities and Economies National National Performance Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures Resilient Learning Outcomes 1. Educational programs 1. Targeted audiences 1. 15 coastal 1. Residents and decision makers are aware are developed—targeted (homeowners, businesses, etc.) educational communities of and understand the processes that to various coastal understand the hazards and briefings, adapt to produce hazards and climate change and audiences—to inform risks associated with living seminars and about of hazards and risks along the coast. (National workshops the impacts the implications of those processes for them and their communities. associated with living along Outcomes: Learning 1) of hazards the coast. and climate 2. Decision makers are aware of existing change. and available hazard‐ and climate‐related 2. Coastal communities 2. Local officials receive scientific 2. 3 coastal 2. Approach will be data and resources and have access to review comprehensive and technical support for communities modeled after two information and skills to assess local risk planning documents and the incorporation of hazard successful efforts with vulnerability. improve hazard mitigation mitigation strategies into coastal communities strategies. community comprehensive in DE. 3. Communities have access to data and plans. (National Outcomes: innovative and adaptive tools and Action 3 techniques to minimize the potential negative impact from hazards. 3. Science-based data and 3. Local beach patrols and 3. 5 coastal 3. Data collection education/outreach to community officials use communities is ongoing with 4. Decision makers understand the legal and coastal communities science-based results to support from local regulatory regimes affecting adaptation minimizes injury from surf minimize surf zone injuries. beach patrols and to climate change, including coastal and zone hazards, including rip (National Outcomes: Action 4) local medical center riparian property rights, disaster relief and currents and shore break. emergency personnel. insurance issues. 4. Local officials’ knowledge 4. Local officials incorporate 4. 3 coastal Action Outcomes and awareness of flood BMPs to minimize flood- communities 1. Communities apply best available hazards hazard BMPs are increased. related impacts and help and climate change information, tools and reduce insurance premiums. technologies in the planning process. (National Outcomes: Learning 4) 2. Decision makers apply data, guidance, policies and regulations to hazard 5. Improved communication, 5. Community leaders and 5. 10 coastal planning and recovery efforts. collaboration and decision makers benefit from communities resource-sharing among improved communications, 3. Communities develop and adopt coastal communities, collaboration and resource- comprehensive hazard mitigation and local decision makers and sharing in planning for adaptation strategies suited to local needs. coastal resource managers long-term resilience within 4. Residents take action to reduce the impact improves planning for their communities via online of coastal hazards on their life and property. long-term resilience. networking sites. (National Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 5) 5. Communities adopt a comprehensive risk communications strategy for hazardous 6.Research necessary to aid 6.Communities gain an 6. 3 6. Proposals will be events. extension work to improve understanding of the science communities invited through the resiliency in coastal and engineering research that two 2-year RFPs Consequence Outcomes communities is supported. supports effective coastal during this strategic 1. Communities effectively prepare for resiliency planning. (National planning period and hazardous events and climate change. Outcomes: Learning 1) awarded funding 2. Communities are resilient and experience pending review for minimum disruption to life and economy support of coastal following hazard events. resiliency outreach and technical merit.

ood National Measures Performance Number of Number of seaf fishermen, seafood fishermen, seafood and processors aquaculture industry personnel who modify their practices using knowledge gained in fisheries sustainability and as a safety seafood of Sea Grant result activities. who consumers modify their using purchases knowledge gained in fisheries sustainability, and safety seafood the health benefits as a of seafood of Sea Grant result activities. (1) (2) Total DESG Targets DESG Targets Total Performance for 210 Measure: DESG Targets Total Performance for 350 Measure: orts DESG by DESG Comments DESG Ongoing eff and other organizations and other organizations to attempting are aquaculture stimulate production in DE waters. DESG is r as a national leader as a national with in assisting FDA training HACCP seafood and education. S have never benefited benefited never have a statewide have from marketing This council. effortcould provide to both suppliers benefits and consumers.

ecognized in DE providers eafood 1. 3. 5. 10,000 website website visitors/year 10 educational educational briefings, seminars, workshops

50 seaf processors SCP ma are revised revised are and 25 are trainers certified 20 seaf processors One new council council to formed support sea - industryfood marketing efforts ood terials ood

DESG Targets DESG 1a. 1b. 2. 3. 4. 5. .S. seafood .S. seafood DESG Outcomes DESG I aquaculture in DE and the aquaculture will region Mid-Atlantic the through be accessible Resource DE Aquaculture (National Website. Center 2; Learning Outcomes: Action 4, 5) S community members and results research receive to information technical their knowledgeenhance impactsof the potential of development aquaculture (National in Delaware. 2; Learning Outcomes: 2) Consequence about nformation officials and tate S and the region are able to able to are and the region of FDA meet requirements regulations. HACCP Seafood Outcomes: (National 5; Action 3) Learning SCP ma and used in course training. and used in course Outcomes: (National 2, 5) Learning DE and other U S processors are educated on educated are processors and revised using updated (National materials. training 2,5) Learning Outcomes: statewide begin to organized marketing of products. Outcomes: (National 4; Action 4) Learning in DE processors eafood revised are terials industryeafood in DE is Continues on next page Continues 1a. 1b. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainable Fisheries D commercial aquaculture aquaculture commercial industry in DE is supported. S Na trained and educated and educated trained on in DE and the region HACCP Seafood FDA regulations. Train-the- Alliance for materials Trainer Control the Sanitation (SCP) Course Procedures and updated. revised are S on Sanitation trained (SCP) Procedures Control meet them to allowing requirements the FDA the 8 key sanitation for conditions. D Seafood MarketingSeafood seafood for Council harvesters/wholesalers/ in retailers/restaurants DE is explored. of a viable evelopment are processors eafood HACCP tional Seafood are processors eafood of a evelopment DESG Program Goals DESG 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. National Outcomes F C F F fishermen understand the dynamics of wild fish populations. fishermen recreational knowledgeable are about responsible and efficient techniques. fishing techniques, fishing including bycatch reduction. impacts negative reduce to or threatened on depleted, species. endangered T T T T knowledgeable about technologies, innovative and policies. approaches industry of is aware marketing innovative its to add value to strategies product. industry learns and understands economically and viable techniques the ensure to processes production and delivery of seafood. and healthy safe and technologies innovative supply safe to approaches and sustainable seafood. Learning Outcomes Learning 1. ishery managers and 2. industryhe seafood is 3. and ommercial 4. fishing he commercial 5. processing he seafood 1. efficient ishermen employ 2. ishermen apply techniques 3. industry seafood he adopts Action Outcomes National Goals A safe, secure and secure A safe, sustainable supply meet to of seafood public demand.

23 National Measures Performance DESG DESG This This effort builds on a Mid- Atlantic regional research/ outreach project to minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Comments 6. 2 w 4 w 3 r engage 20 bait and tackle shop businesses and field demonstrations managers orkshops; orkshops esource DESG Targets DESG 6. 7. 8. DESG Outcomes DESG A P R and bait/tackle shop businesses reduce to understand how from ecosystems to threats species invasive aquatic with the live associated (National baitworm industry. 3; Action 5) Learning Outcomes: about choices make informed selecting suitable gear and their lease location. methods for Action 3) Outcomes: (National ability manage resource to with knowledge of spatial species. distribution of bivalve Action 6) Outcomes: (National managers resource nglers, aquaculturists rospective managers improve esource 6. 7. 8. DESG Program Goals DESG Spr A P species in DE waters is species in DE waters prevented. and growout for gear choices methods is increased culture shellfish among potential growers. and other epifaunal oysters species are bivalve in and cataloged inventoried Inland Bays. Delaware’s invasive ead of aquatic of methods and wareness of natural opulations 6. 7. 8. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainable Fisheries Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Implementation Grant Sea Delaware National Outcomes R and regulations that achieve a better a better achieve that and regulations benefit and economic between balance conservation goals. T T T T T industries adopt innovative marketing industries adopt innovative their products. to add value to strategies the minimize to and approaches impact of their sectors. environmental and techniques innovative implements new product forms create to processes the delivery and and ensure of safe seafood. healthy safe. domestic fishing and aquaculture industries. 4. fishing and aquaculture he commercial 5. industryhe seafood adopts techniques 6. managers establish policies esource 7. industry processing he seafood 1. supply is sustainable and seafood he U.S. 2. of the sustainable is an expansion here Consequence Outcomes Consequence National Goals Continues from from Continues page. previous and secure A safe, sustainable supply meet to of seafood public demand.

24 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) National Measures Performance

DESG DESG Comments DESG is the “go-to” the “go-to” in organization provide DE to this type of for education consumers. Trend Trend data will help the seafood industry determine shifts in consumer and attitudes consumption patterns.

1. 2. 35 w New D seminars Council Seafood is informed of results along with other seafood marketing groups throughout the U.S. DESG Targets DESG orkshops/ elaware 1. 2. Seafood Seafood consumers in consumers greater DE have of the awareness health benefits of (National seafood. Outcomes: 4) Learning Updated Updated information information on seafood is consumers and revealed (National reported. Outcomes: 2) Learning

DESG Outcomes DESG 1. 2. Goals Seafood Seafood A na consumers in consumers educated DE are on the health benefits of seafood through efforts. outreach survey of seafood in consumers DE and across the country is conducted re-examineto use and consumption since trends in work original 2007. tional DESG Program DESG 1. 2. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainable Fisheries National Outcomes U U U C sustainable seafood choices. sustainable seafood productsto and nutritional benefits of seafood how know and quality. safety judge seafood products. seafood products. and sustainable seafood of safe consumption T T T T T seafood. to sustainability and how and safety seafood regarding trends demands. meet emerging to adjust operations safety. seafood ensure viable. economically Learning Outcomes Learning 1. safe for industry of the standards he seafood is aware 2. industryhe seafood is knowledgeable about consumer 3. the knowledge evaluate to have consumers .S. seafood 4. knowledge an increased of the have consumers .S. seafood 1. seafood. industry safe he seafood for adopts standards 2. industry to he seafood and techniques adopts technologies 3. sustainable purchase preferentially consumers .S. seafood 1. increased their health through onsumers improve 2. industry sustainably and is seafood operates he U.S. Action Outcomes Outcomes Consequence National Goals Informed who consumers understand the health benefits of seafood and consumption evaluate to how and the safety sustainability of they the seafood buy.

25 National Measures Number of Number of Number Sea Grant Sea Grant facilitated curricula by adopted and formal informal educators. of people engaged in Sea Grant supported informal education programs. Sea Grant‐ supported graduates who become in a employed related career their degree to within 2 years of graduation. Performance (1) (2) (3) Total DESG Total for Targets Performance 100 Measure: DESG Total for Targets Performance 30,000 Measure: DESG Total for Targets Performance 10 Measure: DESG DESG Comments I with a 5-year with a 5-year NSF-funded change climate science education cooperative for agreement curriculum and professional development of DE and MD educators. R DESG educator DESG educator is developing classroom lesson plans based on SG supported research. H DE, especially DE, vocational/ high technical schools offer curricula in aquaculture methods. n partnership hired ecently igh schools in 1a. 1b. 1c. DESG DESG 50 30 educators programs 30 50 educators students Targets 2 200 unique workshops workshops annually publication requests

1a. 1b. 1c. 2a. 2b. 2c. - - DESG Outcomes DESG Continues on next page Continues E F support for incorporating climate change support climate incorporating for (National their classrooms. into science 1, 2; Action 7) Learning Outcomes: science on-site leaders for group student and hands-on activitycontent programs. Action 1) Outcomes: (National E H coastal and ocean science topics and are and are topics science and ocean coastal - the informa integrate confidently able to their curricula. Out (National tion into 1, 2) Learning comes: learn to TIDE summer program Sea Grant (National and marine issues. about coastal 1, 3; Action 4) Learning Outcomes: H S aquaculture in the classroom as a method in the classroom aquaculture chemistry and physics biology, augment to 1) Learning curricula. Outcomes: (National tions. (National Outcomes: Learning 3) Learning Outcomes: (National tions. and technical training receive ducators and informal educators requests from ulfill knowledgeable more about are ducators will participateigh school students in in using trained are igh school teachers DESG publica utilize and teachers tudents 1a. 1b. 1c. 2a. 2b. 2c. DESG Program Goals DESG A access to marine to access and environmental targeted for information including audiences, groups, student informal particularly underserved and underrepresented is improved. youth, T and informal of formal teach to educators and ocean about coastal, is change science climate improved. he ability and confidence of and wareness 1. 2. Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development and Literacy Workforce Environmental Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Implementation Grant Sea Delaware t programs t programs National Outcomes Engagement Engagement F F Lif Engagemen F F educators are are educators knowledgeable of the science best available of on the effectiveness science environmental education. understand educators literacy environmental principles. engage in informal to education science opportunities on focused topics. coastal use professionals literacy environmental principles in their programs. and developed are using the best refined on research available of the effectiveness and environmental education. science programs education incorporate literacy environmental components. programs education of the take advantage knowledge of Sea Grant‐ supported scientists and engagement professionals. Learning Outcomes Learning 1. ormal and informal 2. ormal and informal 3. able elong learners are 1. 2. 3. ormal and informal 4. ormal and informal Action Outcomes National Goals An environmentally public literate supported and a by informed of continuum formal lifelong and informal engagement opportunities.

26 Delaware Sea Grant: Strategic Plan (2014–2017) National DESG DESG Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes Targets Comments Measures An Learning Outcomes 1. The ability and confidence 1a. Educators are more knowledgeable about 1a. 30 1a. Recently hired (1) Number of environmentally 1. Formal and informal of formal and informal coastal and ocean science topics and are educators DESG educator Sea Grant literate public educators are educators to teach able to confidently integrate the informa- is developing facilitated supported and knowledgeable of the about coastal, ocean and tion into their curricula. (National Out- classroom curricula climate change science is comes: Learning 1, 2) lesson plans adopted by informed by a best available science on the effectiveness of improved. based on SG formal and continuum of supported informal lifelong formal environmental science education. research. educators. and informal 2. Formal and informal 1b. Educators receive training and technical 1b. 50 1b. In partnership Total DESG engagement support for incorporating climate change educators with a 5-year Targets for opportunities. educators understand environmental literacy science into their classrooms. (National NSF-funded Performance principles. Outcomes: Learning 1, 2; Action 7) climate change Measure: 100 science 3. Lifelong learners are able (2) Number education of people to engage in informal cooperative science education engaged in agreement for Sea Grant opportunities focused on curriculum and coastal topics. supported professional informal Action Outcomes development education of DE and MD programs. 1. Engagement educators. professionals use Total DESG 1c. High school teachers are trained in using 1c. 2 1c. High schools in environmental literacy Targets for aquaculture in the classroom as a method workshops DE, especially principles in their Performance to augment biology, chemistry and physics annually vocational/ programs. Measure: 30,000 curricula. (National Outcomes: Learning 1) technical high 2. Engagement programs schools offer (3) Number of are developed and curricula in Sea Grant‐ refined using the best aquaculture supported available research on methods. graduates the effectiveness of who become environmental and employed in a science education. 2. Awareness of and 2a. High school students will participate in 2a. 50 career related 3. Formal and informal access to marine Sea Grant TIDE summer program to learn students to their degree education programs and environmental about coastal and marine issues. (National within 2 years incorporate information for targeted Outcomes: Learning 1, 3; Action 4) of graduation. audiences, including environmental literacy 2b. Fulfill requests from educators and informal 2b. 30 Total DESG informal student groups, components. student group leaders for on-site science programs Targets for particularly underserved content and hands-on activity programs. Performance 4. Formal and informal and underrepresented (National Outcomes: Action 1) Measure: 10 education programs youth, is improved. take advantage of the 2c. Students and teachers utilize DESG publica- 2c. 200 unique knowledge of Sea Grant‐ tions. (National Outcomes: Learning 3) publication supported scientists requests and engagement professionals.

National National DESG Program DESG Performance National Goals Outcomes Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets Comments Measures Continues from 5. Formal and 2d. Individuals download publications and other educational 2d. 1,000 previous page. informal materials from DESG website. (National Outcomes: Action 3) downloads An educators, environmentally students and/or 2e. Educational displays at UD Sharp Campus are used to inform 2e. 5 displays visiting public and school groups about coastal/marine issues created literate public the public collect and use coastal and research. (National Outcomes: Action 4) supported and weather data informed by a 2f. Educators seek DESG staff to present talks and lectures on 2f. 30 school in inquiry and coastal/marine topics at K-12 schools throughout the state. presentations continuum of evidence‐based (National Outcomes: Action 4) lifelong formal activities. 2g. Schools virtually participate in a research cruise or other 2g. 1 “online and informal 6. Lifelong learners engagement coastal/marine research activity via a DESG-developed “online expedition” make choices and expedition.” (National Outcomes: Action 4,6) opportunities. decisions based on information 2h. Submit DESG-related articles for publication by University of 2h. 50 they learned Delaware-associated print and electronic publications. (National publications through informal Outcomes: Action 4) science education 2i. Public has opportunity to participate in public lectures developed 2i. 12 lectures 2i. Lewes Ocean opportunities. in partnership by DESG and the University of Delaware, College Currents Lecture 7. Educators work of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. (National Outcomes: Learning Series. cooperatively to 3; Action 4) leverage federal, 3. Increased 3a. Interested citizens and targeted audiences become informed on 3a. 2 “Focus on 3a. “Focus on state and local understanding important coastal and environmental issues and actively work to the DE Coast” the DE Coast” investments of role conserve coastal/marine resources. (National Outcomes: Action workshops/ workshops in coastal individuals can 6; Consequence 1) year are planned environmental take to conserve for targeted education. and wisely audiences with Consequence use coastal, specific theme Outcomes ocean and topics. Previous environmental workshops 1. Members of resources is have dealt with the public supported. HABs, coastal incorporate broad groundwater understandings and DE’s coastal of their actions on economy. the environment into personal decisions. 3b. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about coastal and 3b. 25,000 visitors environmental research at Coast Day. (National Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 4) 3c. Coast Day visitors completing evaluation surveys report that the 3c. 50 percent of event provided useful information. (National Outcomes: Learning visitors 3; Action 4) 3d. Public learns about DESG and its research, outreach and 3d. 20,000 issues education activities through DESG’s annual report to the public—Sea Grant Reporter (National Outcomes: Action 4)

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Delaware Sea Strategic Grant: (2014–2017) Plan Delaware Sea Grant Implementation Plan Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development National National DESG Program DESG Performance National Goals Outcomes Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets Comments Measures Continues from 3e. Sea Grant Reporter reader surveys indicate intent to act upon 3e. 50 percent previous page. Reporter content. (National Outcomes: Action 4) of respondents An 3f. DESG website and social networking offerings provide useful in- 3f. Accessed environmentally formation for viewers. (National Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 4) 500,000 times literate public 3g. Radio stations download SeaTalk radio PSAs for broadcast. 3g. 72 PSAs/ supported and (National Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 4) 30 stations informed by a 3h. Subscribers to DESG At Sea newsletter are informed about 3h. 1000 continuum of DESG activities and coastal and environmental issues. (National subscribers/ lifelong formal Outcomes: Action 4) 20 percent and informal open rate engagement 3i. Media covers DESG-related activities. (National Outcomes: 3i. 150 news opportunities. Learning 3; Action 4) releases, video stories, information graphics; 300 media hits 3j. Communications industry recognizes the quality of DESG 3j. 10 communications products. (National Outcomes: Learning 3; communication Action 4) industry awards 3k. Community and public events throughout the state and region 3k. 10 events feature DESG outreach programming (non-Coast Day). (Na- tional Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 4) 3l. Installation of interpretive display describes/informs visiting 3l. 1 display 3l. In collaboration public of Delaware Bay water quality monitoring efforts. (Na- with PI (J. Sharp) tional Outcomes: Learning 3; Action 4) of research project R/HCE-7 currently being funded by DESG. Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development National Performance National Goals National Outcomes DESG Program Goals DESG Outcomes DESG Targets DESG Comments Measures A future workforce Learning Outcomes 1. Sea Grant funded 1. SG-funded students will participate in 1. 30 students 1. Recommendation reflecting the 1. Students and graduate students are outreach and extension activities that from Site Review Team diversity of Sea teachers are aware engaged in opportunities supplement their research while building (SRT) report was to Grant programs, of opportunities to become more their practical experience and diversifying provide additional knowledgeable and their suite of accomplishments. (National opportunities skilled in science, to participate in science, technology, understanding of Sea Outcomes: Learning 1; Action 2) to DESG-funded technology, Grant outreach and students to become engineering, engineering, mathematics and active extension mission. more engaged with mathematics and stewardship programs. SG outreach and other disciplines extension personnel. critical to local, Action Outcomes regional and 1. A diverse and qualified national needs. pool of applicants pursues professional opportunities for 2. Grade 6-16 students and 2a. Students and teachers are better 2a. 100 career development in teachers are provided informed about career opportunities in teachers/ natural, physical and with information on science, technology, engineering and students social sciences and marine careers, with an math and how to pursue career paths engineering. emphasis on science, through face-to-face presentations. 2. Graduate students are technology, engineering (National Outcomes: Learning 1) trained in research and math. and engagement 2b. A dynamic website will deliver 2b. 250 unique methodologies. content-rich information on marine visitors careers, including career profiles and 3. Research projects an interactive decision tree. (National support undergraduate Outcomes: Action 3) and graduate training in fields related to 3. Opportunities are 3a. Fifth-grade students demonstrate coastal 3a. 150 understanding and provided for Delaware and marine science content knowledge students/ managing our coastal students to learn through the annual Coast Day essay year resources. about the coastal and contest, which meets state science Consequence Outcomes marine environment and English/language arts standards. and demonstrate their (National Outcomes: Learning 1) 1. A diverse workforce knowledge, while trained in science, 3b. Secondary students demonstrate coastal 3b. 50 students supporting teachers’ need technology, and marine science content knowledge to meet state standards. engineering, through the Coast Day video contest, mathematics, law, which allows students to explore new policy or other job technologies. (National Outcomes: related fields is Learning 1) employed and have high job satisfaction. 4. Coursework and training 4. Course training supported by DESG 4. 50 students is developed to support will help train future food industry a food safety program at workers. (National Outcomes: Action 1; local community college. Consequence 1) 29 Delaware Sea Grant College Program Newark, DE 19716 USA Phone: 302-831-8083 E-mail: [email protected]

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