2010-2013 Strategic Plan

In a region with abundant coastal resources, diverse environmental challenges, and a complex institutional landscape, strategic planning is essential for Maryland Sea Grant to serve effectively. Maryland Sea Grant engaged stakeholders representing a wide spectrum of Maryland’s coastal communities and interests to develop the foundation for our 2010-2013 strategic plan. The result is a synthesis incorporating their input and identifying clear priorities for the next five years. These priorities are cast in the context of the overarching themes articulated by NOAA and the National Sea Grant College Program, as well as regional and national issues brought to the forefront by broader policy analyses.

The strategic planning process has been instrumental in our effort to refine our unique role within Maryland’s university and research community and in defining where we can achieve tangible impacts. Our plan is both a catalyst to foster achievement and a guide for program evolution. In short, it represents our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our program.

Excerpts from our Strategic Plan:

A Vision for 2010-2013 — Meeting Coastal Challenges

Maryland Sea Grant will meet the challenges of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's coastal waters by shaping a cohesive program positioned to anticipate future needs and to respond to emerging issues. We will engage the talent and resources of the academic and research communities in Maryland and beyond. We will adopt strategies designed to foster program evolution and support adaptive management to meet the challenges of our varied constituencies in the state, region, and nation. To realize this vision, we will use the tools of research, outreach, and education in an integrated manner to influence the conservation, stewardship, and restoration of coastal resources, generate sustainable economic opportunities, and serve as a highly credible source of information for stakeholders and decision-makers.

Our programmatic vision builds upon our historical foundation as:

Leaders. Sea Grant will take appropriate risks to facilitate innovation and adaptive change through application of nationally eminent research and engagement of the scientific community.
Integrators. Sea Grant will serve as an integrator and communicator of diverse approaches and complex research findings to enhance understanding and empower decision-making.
A Neutral Forum. Sea Grant will provide a neutral forum for the lively discussion of problems, solutions and creative ideas.

Programmatic and Organizational Values

Maryland Sea Grant's values reflect a programmatic commitment to serve the needs of a diverse constituency.

We strive to:

Engage constituencies dedicated to conservation, sustainable use and restoration of Chesapeake Bay and Maryland coastal resources.
Catalyze the application of preeminent science to fill critical gaps and realize new opportunities.
Link science to outreach, leading to improved decision-making, new products, and new economic opportunities.
Deliver innovative education for Maryland's citizens of all ages to foster coastal, marine, and scientific literacy.
Adhere to responsible stewardship for all resources allocated to our program in our role as trustees.
Commit to professionalism and organizational excellence for our stakeholders and to respect for our colleagues and their integrity as individuals.