FSG Research Priorities

B. Research Priorities 2008 - 2009

Florida Sea Grant’s mission is to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources to create a sustainable economy and environment. This is achieved by focusing work in three strategic areas:

Providing economic leadership for aquaculture, biotechnology, seafood safety, sustainable fisheries, waterfront communities.
Enhancing coastal ecosystem health and safety related to ecosystem health and shoreline security.
Creating a highly trained workforce and scientifically and environmentally informed citizenry.

Faculty interested in addressing this opportunity for Florida Sea Grant funding in 2008-2009 should respond in the seven areas below. Linkages among them may be possible.

While we are not inviting extension/outreach or education proposals, some research proposals may also develop, if appropriate, a link with FSG Extension efforts. View Research Faculty Guide to Extension/Outreach Priorities.

More detail, rationale, and background on these goals and areas are available in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2006-2009.

National Accountability

Performance and accountability are keywords in today’s use of public funds for scientific programs. Not only are faculty and students and their universities being held to higher standards in the performance of their daily activities, but they are also being asked to demonstrate more measurable results and impacts resulting from their work. This necessitates more precise strategic planning, defining measurable goals and objectives and more involvement of the stakeholders in the process.

The National Sea Grant College Program, comprised of the 32 Sea Grant Programs nationwide, is a part of NOAA, and thus adheres to the guidance provided in the NOAA Strategic Plan for 2005-10, New Priorities for the 21st Century. Within the context of the NOAA Strategic Plan, the national Sea Grant program developed a strategic plan: Sea Grant in the New Century, FY 2003-08 and Beyond. That plan provides the guidance for each state-based Sea Grant program to use in developing priorities that guide research, education and extension programs.

How Priorities are Developed

Florida Sea Grant’s priorities for 2006-2009 were developed within the context of the Sea Grant Network Plan during 2004. An extensive round of faculty surveys, various meetings and extended reviews in 1996 established a 10-year planning framework for Florida Sea Grant. This afforded a credible starting point in 2004 for an exhaustive review of FSG strategic areas and priorities. Each of the seven priority areas results from statewide consultation with affected stakeholders including faculty, industry, agency and civic interests. Information was obtained via an array of workshops, meetings, internet and mail consultations, and with more detail available in the Strategic Plan.